Voices of Youth Justice
Why Youth Voices Matter: A Letter from the Director
Share: The Office of Youth and Community Restoration commissioned the report “Please Don’t Give Up on Us: Stories From Children and Youth Incarcerated in California” to center the voices of young people who have experienced incarceration. Through their stories, the...
Voices of Youth Justice: Alameda County Addresses Chronic Absenteeism at its Roots, Dramatically Lowers Rates
Share: “Why don’t you want to attend school?” The Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR) is encouraging county education offices and probation departments to ask students who are incarcerated this one very simple but often overlooked...
Voices of Youth Justice: A Q&A with Madera County Probation’s Assistant Chief Jose Pantoja
Share: The Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR)’s mission of providing comprehensive services for young people involved in the youth justice system relies on collaboration across various agencies. We talked to Madera County Assistant Chief Probation...
Voices of Youth Justice: It Takes a Village
“If our kids are incarcerated…they’re missing the village. I hope that we’re able to come together and be the village our young people need to heal, to thrive, and to have a good life full of love, healing, and abundance.” —Israel Villa, Co-Convener of the California...
Youth Development Academy Fire Program
Share: In San Diego County, the Youth Development Academy’s (YDA) Fire Program is redefining what it means to support youth who are involved in the justice system. This program, a collaborative effort between San Diego County Probation and San...
Voices of Youth Justice: Restorative Youth Justice in Solano County: Building Rise Up House
As OYCR supports least-restrictive program (LRP) initiatives across the state, we wanted to highlight the powerful partnership between Solano County Probation and Alternative Restorative Communities (ARC). Together, they are showing what is possible when we work...
Voices of Youth Justice: Literacy Intervention Pilot Program Sets San Diego Students Up for Success
“There’s a big, beautiful world out there—they just need the tools to be a part of it,” said Judge Ana Espana while describing the importance of the Office of Youth and Community Restoration’s pioneering Juvenile Court School Literacy Intervention pilot program for...
Voices of Youth Justice: Collaboration is Key For Youth Healing and Accountability
LaRon Dennis is a Research Consultant for the Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR). After a career spanning the youth justice system, she shares the importance of collaboration and how stakeholders from across the justice system can work together to...
Voices of Youth Justice: Introducing OYCR’s Youth Advisory Board
Share: “Many youth who have been inside the justice system feel unheard and limited in their opportunities to express their thoughts and experiences... By advocating for their rights and sharing stories that matter to everybody, I hope to contribute to positive change...
Voices of Youth Justice: Through Postcards, Youth Express Their Need To Be Heard
Share: The Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR) Ombudsperson Division was established by law in 2021 to independently and impartially investigate and attempt to resolve complaints about violations of rights or harmful practices in juvenile justice...