Voices of Youth Justice
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...
Voices of Youth Justice: Susie Rivera is Dedicated to Elevating Youth Voices
Share: The Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR) is creating a Youth Advisory Board (YAB), set to launch later this month. We spoke with Susie Rivera, who’s leading the development of YAB, to learn more about her journey to youth justice advocacy, the...
Voices of Youth Justice: A Q&A with Monterey County Deputy Probation Officer Aileen Bravo
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 Monterey County Deputy Probation Officer, Aileen...
Voices of Youth Justice: Alisa Hartz Shares Insights from the OYCR Ombudsperson Division
We talked to OYCR Ombudsperson Alisa Hartz, who assumed the role of Ombuds in January 2024, about the mission of the Ombudsperson, the impact of her work for California’s young people, and what gives them hope for the future of California’s youth justice system.
Voices of Youth Justice: I am Not an Outlier
As a former youth who was justice system-involved, my story serves as an example that restorative justice works. I am not an outlier. When young people are provided resources and opportunities to grow and reflect on their past decisions, they can and will succeed…