Voices of Youth Justice
Voices of Youth Justice: What Gives Us Hope for the Future
Share: Transforming California’s approach to youth justice demands persistence. The challenges are complex, progress can be incremental, and the stakes are high. This work impacts not only the well-being and futures of young people in the system, but also the health...
Voices of Youth Justice: When Community-Based Organizations Are Supported, Youth Thrive
“In my tradition as a Native Indigenous person, our wealth isn’t determined by how much we have. It’s by how much we give away,” said Alfred Melbourne, founder and director of Three Sisters Gardens. “Instilling that into our youth means showing them that we’re not...
Voices of Youth Justice: Formerly Incarcerated Leaders Take the Helm of California’s Youth Justice Advisory Group
Share: “My lens has been shaped by the places I have been and things I have seen. That allows me to analyze some of the gaps, the challenges, and the strengths [within the system].” —Cristian Franco, Vice Chair of the State Advisory Group on Youth Justice (SAG YJ) ...
Voices of Youth Justice: The Power of Credible Messengers as Leaders and Partners
Share: “I struggled with homelessness as a young mom, and a very nice donor once told me I should sign up for Section 8… I’d been on every list in eight counties over ten years. It took me five to get on the list and eight more before I got housing. She wouldn’t know...
Voices of Youth Justice: How Imperial County Built a System to Keep Girls Out of Confinement
Share: In Imperial County—a rural region along the U.S.–Mexico border—an important shift in youth justice is underway. Recently, the county has fluctuated between having zero girls and one girl incarcerated, a milestone that represents more than local progress. It...
The Youth Bill of Rights Gives Young People in Custody a Voice
Share: Designed to empower young people in youth justice facilities across the state, California’s Youth Bill of Rights ensures they not only know their rights, but have a voice in defining and defending them. The Youth Bill of...
Voices of Youth Justice: Q&A with Kent Mendoza
Share: The Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR)’s mission to provide comprehensive services for young people involved in the youth justice system relies on collaboration with a range of partners. We spoke with Kent Mendoza, Director of Policy at...
Voices of Youth Justice: Leaders Who Are Shaping Youth Justice
Share: Across the state, young people with experience in the justice system, community-based organizations, probation leaders, and advocates are working toward a shared vision: a youth justice system grounded in accountability, health, and healing, not punishment....
Voices of Youth Justice: Listening and Centering Culture and Community for Tribal Youth
Share: Across California, tribal youth navigate child welfare and justice systems that were not designed with their cultures, histories, or communities in mind. The state is home to more than 660,000 Native American residents—the most of any state in the nation—and...
Voices of Youth Justice: For Youth Who Are Incarcerated, Staying Connected to Family Matters
Share: Carlos Cervantes still remembers what it felt like to be a teenager in a cell, navigating the justice system as a young person. At 16, he was incarcerated at a time when visiting with family usually came with metal detectors, shackles, or speaking...