2020 California Code
Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC
DIVISION 2.5 - YOUTHS
CHAPTER 4 - Office of Youth and Community Restoration
Section 2200.

(a) Commencing July 1, 2021, there is in the California Health and Human Services Agency the Office of Youth and Community Restoration.

(b) The office’s mission is to promote trauma responsive, culturally informed services for youth involved in the juvenile justice system that support the youths’ successful transition into adulthood and help them become responsible, thriving, and engaged members of their communities.

(c) The office shall have the following responsibility and authority:

(1) Once data becomes available as a result of the plan developed to Section 13015 of the Penal Code, develop a report on youth outcomes in the juvenile justice system.

(2) Identify policy recommendations for improved outcomes and integrated programs and services to best support delinquent youth.

(3) Identify and disseminate best practices to help inform rehabilitative and restorative youth practices, including education, diversion, re-entry, religious and victims’ services.

(4) Provide technical assistance as requested to develop and expand local youth diversion opportunities to meet the varied needs of the delinquent youth population, including but not limited to sex offender, substance abuse, and mental health treatment.

(5) Report annually on the work of the Office of Youth and Community Restoration.

(d) The office shall have an ombudsman that has the authority to do all of the following:

(1) Investigate complaints from youth, families, staff, and others about harmful conditions or practices, violations of laws and regulations governing facilities, and circumstances presenting an emergency situation.

(2) Decide, in its discretion, whether to investigate a complaint, or refer complaints to another body for investigation.

(3) Resolve complaints when possible, collaborating with facility administrators and staff to develop resolutions that may include training.

(4) Publish and provide regular reports to the Legislature about complaints received and subsequent findings and actions taken. The report shall comply with all confidentiality laws.

(e) The Office of Youth and Community Restoration shall evaluate the efficacy of local programs being utilized for realigned youth. No later than July 1, 2025, the office shall report its findings to the Governor and the legislature.

(f) Juvenile grants shall not be awarded by the Board of State and Community Corrections without the concurrence of the office. All juvenile justice grant administration functions in the Board of State and Community Corrections shall be moved to the office no later than January 1, 2025.

(Added by Stats. 2020, Ch. 337, Sec. 50. (SB 823) Effective September 30, 2020.)