California Counties Are Developing Plans For Secure Youth Treatment Facilities In Wake Of Pending DJJ Closure In 2023

After the California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) halted most youth admissions on July 1, 2021, California counties have been developing plans for county-based secure youth treatment facilities (SYTFs) for juvenile offenders. The halt in admissions is required by 2020 law directing the DJJ to close and counties to take responsibility for juvenile offenders. Under the law, DJJ halted admissions for most offenders in 2021, and will permanently close its three facilities by June 30, 2023.

County probation departments are now responsible for supervising juvenile offenders age 14 and older who would otherwise . . .