New OYCR grant continues the work of youth justice system transformation through investment in community infrastructure to support youth rehabilitation

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, the California Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR) announced the launch of a partnership with The Center at Sierra Health Foundation, an independent nonprofit founded by Sierra Health Foundation. This partnership will build out community infrastructure and increase capacity at community-based organizations (CBOs) to better serve young people who are involved in the justice system – and better support their transition back to their communities. OYCR has committed $3 million over the next two years to invest in community organizations and reduce youth interactions with the justice system.

“Transforming the state’s youth justice system to one that prioritizes our children’s health and well-being requires substantial coordination and alignment between government and a diverse array of partners, especially our community-based organizations. This investment is a recognition of the key role these organizations play in supporting our young people with juvenile justice system involvement,” said Judge Katherine Lucero (Ret.), Director of the California Office of Youth and Community Restoration.  

How This Helps Youth

With the closure of the California Division of Juvenile Justice in June 2023, investing in community-based alternatives to incarceration is an increasingly important component of OYCR’s work to address the needs of youth who are justice-involved. Through this new partnership with The Center at Sierra Health Foundation, OYCR is providing funding and technical assistance to build community infrastructure and increase the capacity of California CBOs. This support will help ensure justice-involved youth have access to quality programs in their community, create sustainable systems for healing, and set youth up for success. 

Why This Is Important:

Research shows youth who are justice-involved are more successful when they remain connected to their families and communities. This connection to the community results in lower recidivism rates and ensures youth are better prepared for their transition back into the community. Remaining in community also permits an ongoing engagement with community members and organizations that can participate in the healing process and robustly support the transition of young people back to community settings. CBOs are essential to that transition.  

About The Partnership:

Through this partnership, OYCR will provide funding and The Center at Sierra Health Foundation will help identify CBOs’ capacity development needs, establish a process for determining which CBOs will receive technical assistance and funding, and evaluate the effectiveness of technical assistance projects in increasing CBO capacity and sustainability. In addition to direct funding, OYCR and The Center at Sierra Health Foundation will help CBOs develop relationships with important partners and tap into additional funding sources.  

About The California Office of Youth and Community Restoration:

Formed in 2021 out of monumental legislation, SB 823, OYCR is guiding the transition as California shifts from a punitive youth justice system to a county-based system that promotes health and healing. OYCR’s role is to provide funding and best practices through the wealth of knowledge and experience of internal staff and partners to successfully reintegrate youth into their communities. OYCR works closely with and guides partners across the youth justice space, including CBOs, local judicial systems, schools, behavioral health service providers, and county probation departments. Learn more.