Juvenile Collaborative Reentry Unit

JCRU provides comprehensive case planning, reentry, and aftercare support for youth returning home from long-term, out-of-home placements. The program reduces recidivism and placement failure by ensuring every youth has a coordinated plan for education, employment, and community reintegration.

Established in 2009 as a Second Chance Act National Demonstration Project Site, JCRU targeted San Francisco’s high recidivism and failure rates for youth exiting out-of-home placements. The program fostered partnerships of key stakeholders, including youth and their families. 

Long-term out-of-home commitments disconnect youth from community, family, and educational support systems. Reentry and aftercare services for high-risk youth are essential for their success.

Upon court disposition, a JCRU representative meets with the youth and family to begin reentry preparation. Together, they design a comprehensive plan that includes housing, education, employment, and behavioral health supports.

After release, youth and families meet with the full JCRU team, which includes representatives from:

• San Francisco Juvenile Probation Department
• San Francisco Superior Court
• San Francisco Public Defender’s Office
• CJCJ

This team partners with a dedicated reentry judge to coordinate, trauma-informed services for youth as they transition home. Typical enrollment lasts 6 – 24 months, which fosters strong engagement and lasting outcomes.

JCRU has received national recognition, including:

• Sept-Oct 2010, Judicial Council of California, Administrative Office of the Courts Newsletter.
• February 23, 2011, National Reentry Resource Center’s Second Chance Act Grantee Conference on the subject of Implementing Cross-System Collaboration.
• December 15, 2011, Judicial Council of California Administrative Office of the Courts Beyond the Bench Conference.
• December 13, 2012, The California Wellness Foundation’s annual conference on the subject of Ensuring Public Safety Through Successful Juvenile Re-Entry.

Contact:

Booker Gray ‑Director of Juvenile Justice Services
bgray@​cjcj.​org
Tel: (415) 621‑5661 x. 106
Fax: (415) 621‑5466
Cell: (415) 505‑5492