In this issue:
- CJCJ weighs in on governor’s proposal to reform CA’s juvenile justice system
- Next Generation Fellowship celebrates the success of its 2018 fellows
- CJCJ’s collaborative approach serves youth in the community
CJCJ weighs in on governor’s proposal to reform California’s juvenile justice system
As Governor Newsom asks lawmakers to change California’s Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), CJCJ responds with insights for meaningful reform.
Dan Macallair joins Marisa Lagos and Thuy Vu on the KQED newsroom.
California’s state-run juvenile justice system, DJJ, has long faced criticism for its prison-like conditions and dismal outcomes for youth as they return to their communities — at a cost of approximately $315,000 per youth.
In the proposed budget for fiscal year 2019 – 20, Gov. Gavin Newsom asks state lawmakers to move DJJ from under the umbrella of the California Department of Corrections, to the Health and Human Services Agency. Newsom’s proposed change recognizes DJJ’s failure to effectively support youth and provides an opportunity for California to fundamentally change its juvenile justice system, bringing an end to the troubled DJJ facilities.
CJCJ’s Executive Director Daniel Macallair and other staff have commented on the governor’s proposal, by noting that transformative reform requires a local approach where youth can remain supported by their communities. Dan recently appeared on KQED Newsroom, where he expressed a bolder vision for the future of juvenile justice in California. The San Francisco Chronicle Editorial Board endorses CJCJ’s long-standing vision to “keep [youth] in smaller facilities, closer to home, and improve counties’ offerings of evidence-based treatment programs.”Check out the news stories below featuring CJCJ policy staff:
- The San Francisco Chronicle Editorial Board quotes CJCJ Executive Director Daniel Macallair and aligns with CJCJ’s vision in “Gov. Newsom’s impulse on juvenile justice good, but state needs real reform.”
- The Associated Press (AP) article “California governor seeks to transform youth prisons” includes insights from CJCJ Policy Analyst Maureen Washburn.
- CJCJ Executive Director Daniel Macallair discusses DJJ and other news in the justice system with KQED’s Marisa Lagos and Thuy Vu on the KQED Newsroom.
- CJCJ Executive Director Dan Macallair discusses alternatives to DJJ on KGO 810: The Ethan Bearman Show.
Next Generation Fellowship celebrates the success of its 2018 fellows
The 2018 Next Generation Fellowship concludes in Los Angeles with fellow-led presentations and engagement with advocacy partners.
NGF 2018 fellow, Katrina Ruiz, presents her culminating project.
The second annual Next Generation Fellowship (NGF), a training for justice-involved community leaders in California, came to a close in Los Angeles this month! The fellowship, launched by CJCJ and our partners at Motivating Individual Leadership for Public Advancement (MILPA), supported fifteen advocates who are leading through lived expertise and cultivating their skills for justice reform.
This year, fellows in the NGF program embarked on a six-day training spread across three sessions. It began in Sacramento, which introduced fellows to the legislative process, and convened again in Santa Cruz, where fellows built a deeper sense of community out in nature. In Los Angeles, fellows reflected on the history of the justice system and ongoing reform efforts. NGF Fellows also presented their culminating projects, which focus on individual areas of advocacy based on each fellow’s interests, and skills, and their community’s needs.
The session, which was graciously hosted by the Amity Foundation, provided an opportunity for fellows to connect with our community of partners in Los Angeles — building new connections for ongoing collaboration.
As NGF 2018 comes to a close, the fellows will use their understanding of cultural healing and policy advocacy as they continue their important work for communities across California.
Learn more about CJCJ and MILPA’s Next Generation Fellowship »
CJCJ’s collaborative approach serves youth in the community
CJCJ’s behavioral health team provides consistent high-quality care for San Francisco youth through collaboration.
CJCJ staff gather together at the office.
CJCJ supports San Francisco’s communities through juvenile justice programs that address the needs of youth and their families. Our community-based approach reduces barriers to services by meeting youth where they are at, whether in school or home, and relating to youth personally from lived experiences.
Staff are dedicated and passionate about treating others with the same care and respect they share with the youth they serve daily. This collaborative approach among CJCJ’s reentry and case specialists, case managers, and clinicians prioritizes professionalism, respect, growth, and accountability to best serve young people. Clinical supervisor Erica Spartos expresses that upholding shared values and modeling these values for youth often relies on “our experienced staff to put that into practice and lead the team.”
One of the team’s clinicians, Deva Segal, LMFT exemplifies this approach through her proactive efforts. Team members describe her as someone who creates bridges with partners in the field and who is “generous with information and expertise.”
With a strong culture of collaboration and practices rooted in integrity and authenticity, CJCJ’s juvenile justice programs offer consistent support to youth in their communities.
Learn more about CJCJ’s juvenile justice program »
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