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In this issue:
  • New report uncovers dangerous conditions at CA’s Division of Juvenile Justice
  • New practical guide supports justice-involved youth during reentry 
  • A tribute to Jeff Adachi, San Francisco Public Defender and advocate

New report uncovers dangerous conditions at CA’s Division of Juvenile Justice

A CJCJ investigation into California’s state-run youth correctional system finds a return to grievous conditions that isolate and traumatize youth.

CJCJ | Hallway in a living unit at DJJ facility

Last week, CJCJ released a report on harmful conditions at the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) — California’s state-run youth correctional system. The report finds increases in violence and use-of-force rates in nearly all DJJ facilities in recent years. Additionally, isolation and trauma are prevalent in the daily lives of youth confined at DJJ.

This report elevates youth voices and ensures that those who have been directly impacted by DJJ help lead the conversation about its effect on youth, their families, and communities.

Three years ago this month, DJJ was released from a 12-year-long lawsuit. The dismissal of the lawsuit ended court monitoring of the facilities and limited independent oversight. Today, as California continues to place hundreds of youth from across the state in DJJ’s care, CJCJ’s new report provides a comprehensive review of life in its facilities, finding challenges in areas such as: safety, mental health care, education, rehabilitative programming, contact with families, and reentry outcomes.

Co-authors Maureen Washburn and Renee Menart share the report’s key findings with Witness LA and Mother Jones. Additionally, the Huffington Post highlights one youth’s painful experiences at DJJ and KQED News discusses the opportunity to create change through Governor Newsom’s budget proposal to reform the agency.

Find out more about Unmet Promises: Continued Violence and Neglect in California’s Division of Juvenile Justice »

New practical guide supports justice-involved youth during reentry

CJCJ’s new guide for juvenile justice and social service practitioners discusses how to address youths’ ranging needs when they return to the community.

Source: rawpixel | unsplash​.com

A new practical guide by CJCJ supports professionals who work with justice-involved youth during the reentry process. The guide offers information about community-based and collaborative approaches that support youth as they return home. From housing to mental health, social-emotional skills to education, and income support to employment, this guide provides a detailed overview of youths’ holistic needs for successful reintegration into the community.

This publication, made possible by generous support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, recognizes that reentry is a process that begins when a youth is committed to a correctional facility; young people and their families should be meaningfully engaged throughout the process to ensure a youth’s strengths are cultivated and their needs are met.

Practitioners can explore research-supported approaches and model programs to support youths’ success in various areas of their lives. Additionally, a supplementary PowerPoint is available to support training presentations and discussions.

As a community-based organization rooted in direct services for youth, technical assistance, and policy advocacy, CJCJ seeks to contribute to the powerful work of service providers in support our nation’s young people.

Find out more about Collaborating for Successful Reentry: A Practical Guide to Support Justice-Involved Young People Returning to the Community »

A tribute to Jeff Adachi, SF Public Defender and advocate

CJCJ mourns the passing of a dedicated public servant, Jeff Adachi, and honors his continued legacy in justice reform.

CJCJ Executive Director Daniel Macallair and San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi

The loss of Jeff Adachi, San Francisco’s Public Defender, is felt by many community members, including advocates and individuals impacted by the justice system. Jeff and his colleagues in the public defender’s office have been strong partners of CJCJ’s programs in collaborative efforts to build safe and healthy communities.

CJCJ has proudly supported Jeff’s leadership on issues ranging from bail reform to the disproportionate policing of communities of color. Jeff’s legacy continues through the many lives he touched.

This week, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted the Jeff Adachi Youth Rights” ordinance, which guarantees legal protections for youth who are detained by police, which honors Jeff’s legacy. Patricia Lee, Deputy Public Defender and member of CJCJ’s Board of Directors, expresses:

We are so excited to have this important legislation be named in honor of our fearless visionary leader, Jeff Adachi, who championed the rights of youth… This decision will have a far-reaching impact on youth in SF and hopefully soon in the rest of California and the nation. Rest in power, Jeff Adachi!”

Find out more about Jeff Adachi’s work and ongoing legacy »

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