The Prison Education Program (PEP), The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC), and Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR) recently hosted an educational forum at Cal Poly Pomona to discuss ways to provide educational resources to justice-involved youth, especially in the context of the SB 823-DJJ Realignment. The half-day event brought together probation, juvenile justice, and educational experts to discuss solutions for justice-involved juveniles to access higher education and vocational training.

During the forum, panel presentations focused on providing academic and life-skills to juveniles and young adults in the justice system, as well as information about vocational training and higher education opportunities. Attendees from various organizations shared ways to provide educational resources to justice-involved youth, and attendees heard from PEP, DJJ, California Community Colleges, California State Universities, and the Department of Rehabilitation.

The forum was organized in response to SB 823, which authorized the state to shut down the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) that had supervised juveniles and young adults with the most complex challenges and specialized treatment needs. The youth and young adults are transitioning to local counties across the state, which will be completed by June 30, 2023.

The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) is committed to a research-based approach to public safety that promotes positive behavior change. Their leadership guides policy and practice in the areas of prevention, community-based corrections, secure detention for youth, and direct human services. CPOC’s goal is to prevent crime and delinquency, reduce recidivism, restore victims, and promote healthy families and communities.

CPOC believes education is a powerful tool that can liberate and change lives, which is why they remain committed to supporting youth and families through programs like Just Us 4 Youth. The organization strongly advocates for equity and believes everyone should have equal access to opportunities and resources.

The forum at Cal Poly Pomona highlighted available opportunities for higher education after youth complete their Associates Degree, whether in custody or on probation supervision. Attendees heard from California Community Colleges and Rising Scholars on how the program can provide an educational “warm hand-off and transition” to youth after they are released on probation and supervised in the community, and how the program can partner with probation to access community college for youth in juvenile detention facilities. The Department of Rehabilitation also shared information on financial support resources for all county juvenile youth who want to pursue a vocation such as truck driving school or higher education.

Overall, the educational forum hosted by PEP, CPOC, and OYCR was a successful event that brought together probation, juvenile justice, and educational experts to discuss solutions for justice-involved juveniles to access higher education and vocational training. CPOC remains committed to supporting youth and families and will continue to promote positive behavior change through research-based approaches to public safety.