In this issue:
- Juvenile Justice Realignment is a Victory for Racial Justice
- San Francisco Service Providers Press for Justice Reinvestment
- Cameo House Mother and Children Move to a Permanent Home
Juvenile Justice Realignment is a Victory for Racial Justice
California leaders vote to close the state’s youth correctional system accompanied by meaningful oversight and safeguards for youth of color.
In a historic victory for communities impacted by incarceration, California legislators voted to close the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) with the passage of Senate Bill 823 and Assembly Bill 1868. The legislation establishes oversight and safeguards called for by CJCJ and our partners.
CJCJ and California’s other leading juvenile justice advocates have called for ending the state youth correctional system system, which consistently fails young people. Instead, California must invest in local approaches that support youth development and racial justice.
A recent fact sheet by CJCJ, W. Haywood Burns Institute, and California Alliance for Youth and Community Justice highlights the grievous racial and ethnic disparities in DJJ. Black and Latino youth make up the majority of DJJ’s population, facing greater exposure to harmful conditions in these institutions. The momentous to close DJJ aligns with our long-term vision for racial justice and youth development in California.
The legislation now awaits a final decision by Governor Gavin Newsom, who proposed the closure of DJJ in May. As we celebrate the successful collaboration of policymakers and community leaders, please voice your support for Senate Bill 823 to the Governor’s office at (916) 445‑2841 to secure his signature.
San Francisco Service Providers Press for Justice Reinvestment
The Juvenile Justice Providers Association advocates for the reallocation of $8 million to meet critical youth and community needs.
Last year, CJCJ and our local partners supported the decision of San Francisco leaders to reimagine a system that better supports young people. The community rallied together to close juvenile hall in favor of community-based services.
The Juvenile Justice Providers Association (JJPA), co-chaired by CJCJ Deputy Director Dinky Manek Enty and Sunset Youth Services Executive Director Dawn Stueckle, continues this critical advocacy with a strong voice in the budgetary process. The JJPA represents 21 community-based organizations that collaborate to provide a comprehensive service delivery system for San Francisco youth.
As youth referrals to Juvenile Probation Department (JPD) have dropped by 65 percent in the past decade, the department has only made minor changes to staffing and structure. During this time, JJPA and its partners have developed a highly effective system of community-based services that better support youth and their families.
Last month, JJPA members provided public comment before the Board of Supervisors to request that they reduce the bloated JPD budget by $8 million. These efforts helped successfully eliminate 26 JPD positions and secure funds to support community placements ($2.9 million over two years) that will better support the city’s youth.
San Francisco must continue its commitment to youth by reducing the harmful justice system and instead investing in Black and brown communities.
Find out more about the Juvenile Justice Providers Association »
Cameo House Mother and Children Move to a Permanent Home
CJCJ honors Cameo House participant for her hard work and successful transition to a new home.
Keynetta gives a moving speech during her graduation ceremony.
August 2nd marked two years at CJCJ’s Cameo House for Keynetta Shelton. Last month, she and her two children successfully transitioned to stable permanent housing. Her family’s achievement marks a 70 percent rate of successful transitions for recent Cameo House participants.
During her time at Cameo House, a long-term transitional and alternative sentencing program, Keynetta built strong bonds with the women, children, and supportive staff with whom she shared a home. In the spring, she stepped into a leadership role by facilitating educational lessons for the children during shelter-in-place.
The Cameo House family honored Keynetta during a dinner celebration and “goodbye” ceremony. Cameo House Program Director Rebecca Jackson congratulated Keynetta, acknowledging her “hard work and determination have made it possible for her and her children to achieve the life and home they deserve.”
In a reflection that moved supporters to tears, Keynetta expressed: “I never saw Cameo House as a program. With open arms and nothing but love, Cameo was my home.”
Find out more about Cameo House »
CJCJ IS HIRING:
GET INVOLVED: