From Orange County Register.

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – March 26, 2025 –  On Friday, March 21, 2025, the Young Adult Court (YAC) Graduation took place at the Central Justice Center. After 18-24 months of working the program, the graduating young adults spoke about how instrumental Probation was in helping them achieve a positive future.

Under the Presiding Judge Maria Hernandez, these eight graduates completed the program and walked out of the courtroom felony-free.

Young Adult Court is a pilot program in the Orange County Superior Court that aims to reduce recidivism and promote positive life outcomes for men ages 18 through 25 who have encountered trouble with the law.

About 20 counties nationwide practice similar restorative justice programs. But Orange County’s is the only program designed as a randomized control trial. 

The YAC program is a powerful example of the effectiveness of Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) in action, showcasing the department’s commitment to promoting positive change in the lives of young adults. 

Orange County’s Chief Probation Officer, Daniel Hernandez, expressed the belief that the program can lead to what he calls a “cure for crime”. He went on to stress,

“We – the system, the legislature – all need to stop taking shots in the dark and start to rely on what we have known and have proven to work. Young Adult Court is the embodiment of evidence-based practices that have been proven to work over the years. Having UCI measure and confirm or measure and adjust is the gold standard. Using research to reduce crime is absolutely what we should be doing.”

Sam Solorio, one of the graduates said, “Beyond career success, Young Adult Court provided me with something just as important — a healthier mindset.”

“With therapy, mentorships and the many activities they offered, I learned how to process my emotions, handle challenges and stay focused on my goals,” he told a full courtroom.

“Young Adult Court helped me break through the mental barriers that once held me back, replacing them with confidence, self-worth and the drive to keep pushing forward.”

He told Judge Hernandez and all the people who worked on his case:

“God bless you all, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart…You change lives, including mine.”

Read the full article here.