Juvenile Justice
Back to Policy IssuesOver the last two decades, California’s juvenile justice system has undergone transformative changes at the state and county level. On June 30, 2023, the state’s Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), which had an average daily population of roughly 600 to 700 youth over the preceding decade, ceased operations and realigned the care of these youth to counties. The youth previously adjudicated to DJJ were those with the most serious criminal backgrounds and intensive treatment needs. Since DJJ’s June 30, 2023, closure, counties are required to provide wrap-around services, programming, specialized treatment, and maintain and increase staffing where necessary, while making significant upgrades to improve design and create additional space within existing facilities. Counties will continue to work towards exceeding these goals, while improving recruitment and retention of staff, and CSAC will advocate for the necessary funding and resources to achieve this across all counties. Nevertheless, the focus of county probation departments will remain the same – to provide care for youth and young adults close to their loved ones and ensure access to effective, individualized treatment while upholding public safety. The goal is to ensure that all youth are safe, healthy, and supported to become contributing members of their community.