Child Welfare, Foster care
Normalcy FAQ for Children and Youth in CA’s Foster Care System
More
Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Foster care
Transition Planning for California Foster Youth FAQ
More
Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Foster care, Independent Living/Transition, Juvenile Justice, Public Benefits/Funding, SSI/Social Security
Fact Sheet: Overview of SB 187: Updates to Foster Youth Rights Regarding Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The Foster Care Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Assistance Program (created...
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The Foster Care Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Assistance Program (created by AB 1633 (2005) and AB 1331 (2007)), and codified at Welf. & Inst. Code Section 13750, et seq., represents the California Legislature’s attempts to maximize utilization of Social Security Administration benefits among foster youth, including probation-supervised foster youth, as they approach adulthood. This fact sheet provides an overview of the obligations of county placing agencies to foster youth around SSI, including the new provisions under SB 187.
Author(s):
Date:
4/2023
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
Overview-of-SB-187-for-Advocates.pdf
Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Foster care, Independent Living/Transition, Juvenile Justice, Public Benefits/Funding, SSI/Social Security
Template Letters for SSI/OASDI Advocacy for California Foster Youth
This resource contains template letters to request information and actions related to...
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This resource contains template letters to request information and actions related to foster youth clients, including probation-supervised foster youth, who may be receiving Social Security Administration benefits or for whom you want an eligibility screening and/or benefits application to be made. These templates are for use by attorneys in California, including dependency counsel, juvenile defenders, and civil legal aid attorneys, but could be used in other jurisdictions with some editing.
Author(s):
Date:
4/2023
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Template-Letters-for-SSI-OASDI-Advocacy-for-California-Foster-Youth.docx
Child Welfare, Foster care, Juvenile Justice
Fact Sheet: Transition Jurisdiction
This fact sheet, updated in 2023, outlines California law related to transition...
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Juvenile Justice
Training on OYCR Ombudsperson
This training describes the role and authority of the newly created office...
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This training describes the role and authority of the newly created office of the Ombudsperson for the California Office of Youth and Community Restoration.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
3/2023
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Training-on-OYCR-Ombuds-3.24.23.pdf
AB 12, AB 12 Probation, Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Foster care, Independent Living/Transition, Juvenile Justice
Housing & Homelessness Prevention for Transition Aged Foster and Former Foster Youth: A Presentation of the Youth Law Center
Homelessness both during extended foster care and after leaving extended foster care...
More
Homelessness both during extended foster care and after leaving extended foster care are critical issues facing transition-aged youth (TAY). This presentation provides an overview of extended foster care in California, transitional housing options for current and former foster youth, housing preservation strategies, the FYI & FUP Housing Choice Voucher Programs, and supportive services to maintain housing.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
3/2023
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
YLC-Housing-Presentation.pdf
AB 12, AB 12 Probation, Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Foster care, Independent Living/Transition, Juvenile Justice
Advocacy Strategies for Preventing Involuntary Exits from THP-NMD: A Presentation of the Youth Law Center
Homelessness and housing/placement instability are a critical issue facing transition-aged youth in...
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Homelessness and housing/placement instability are a critical issue facing transition-aged youth in California. Despite broad protections and housing/placement entitlements for youth in extended foster care, many youth are involuntarily exited from transitional housing before reaching the maximum age or duration of participation. This training provides a foundational understanding of the Transitional Housing Placement Program for Nonminor Dependents (THP-NMD) and the issue of involuntary exits, to support legal aid attorneys in understanding the unique housing challenges and remedies available for youth clients participating in this housing program.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
3/2023
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Preventing-THP-NMD-Exits.pdf
AB 12, AB 12 Probation, Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Foster care, Independent Living/Transition, Juvenile Justice
Housing Preservation Strategies: A Supplement to Youth Law Center’s Presentation: Housing & Homelessness Prevention for Transition Aged Foster and Former Foster Youth (Slide 14)
Homelessness both during extended foster care and after leaving extended foster care...
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Homelessness both during extended foster care and after leaving extended foster care are critical issues facing transition-aged youth (TAY), and despite broad protections and housing/placement entitlements for youth, many youth are involuntarily exited from transitional housing before reaching the maximum age or duration for participation in these programs. This supplement to the Youth Law Center Presentation: Housing & Homelessness Prevention for Transition Aged Foster and Former Foster Youth provides a broad overview of various housing preservation strategies for youth in the Transitional Housing Placement Program for Nonminor Dependents (THP-NMD) and the Transitional Housing Placement Program Plus (THP-Plus).
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
3/2023
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Housing-Preservation-Strategies.pdf
AB 12, AB 12 Probation, Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Foster care, Independent Living/Transition, Juvenile Justice
Glossary of Terms: A Supplement to Youth Law Center’s Presentation: Advocacy Strategies for Preventing Involuntary Exits from THP-NMD
This supplement to the Youth Law Center Presentation: Advocacy Strategies for Preventing Involuntary Exits...
More
This supplement to the Youth Law Center Presentation: Advocacy Strategies for Preventing Involuntary Exits from THP-NMD provides a glossary of key terms used in the presentation, including legal citations and sources of law.
Author(s):
Date:
1/1970
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Glossary-of-Terms-Preventing-Involuntary-Exits-from-THP-NMD.pdf
AB 12, AB 12 Probation, Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Foster care, Independent Living/Transition, Juvenile Justice
Hypotheticals: A Supplement to Youth Law Center’s Presentation: Advocacy Strategies for Preventing Involuntary Exits from THP-NMD
This supplement to the Youth Law Center Presentation: Advocacy Strategies for Preventing Involuntary...
More
This supplement to the Youth Law Center Presentation: Advocacy Strategies for Preventing Involuntary Exits from THP-NMD provides advocacy considerations and answers to the hypotheticals and questions presented in Slides 45-51.
Author(s):
Date:
3/2023
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Hypos-Preventing-Involuntary-Exits-from-THP-NMD.pdf
Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Education, Education Access, Foster care, Juvenile Justice
Unusual Circumstances Override
This resource provides guidance on how to assist youth who cannot obtain...
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This resource provides guidance on how to assist youth who cannot obtain parental information to complete the FAFSA. Federal law allows youth to qualify for financial aid without providing parental information if they qualify as an independent student or if they qualify for a dependency override due to "unusual circumstances." This guide explains what unusual circumstances are and the current process for dependency overrides, and includes three case examples to assist practitioners in understanding how unusual circumstances and dependency overrides may play out in practice.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
3/2023
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Unusual-Circumstances-Override-1.pdf
Child Welfare, Foster care
Requesting Unspent Chafee and ETV Funds for FY 2023
This document provides information on how state child welfare agencies can request unspent Chafee...
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This document provides information on how state child welfare agencies can request unspent Chafee funds. This opportunity is available every year, however, this year's unspent funds include the Division X funds which were allocated in 2021 as pandemic aid for youth in foster care. Because $400 million additional Chafee funds were allocated in 2021 as part of Division X of the Consolidated Appropriation Act, it is likely that more unspent funds will be available than is usual.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
2/2023
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Requesting-Unspent-Chafee-and-ETV-Funds-for-FY-2023.pdf
Juvenile Justice
PRESS RELEASE – Lawsuit filed against County Probation Consortium
More
Juvenile Justice
First Amended Complaint – Cal Alliance for Youth and Community Justice v County Probation Consortium
More
Access to care, Child Welfare, Foster care, Health
Information and Resources to Support Reproductive Health Access for Young People with Experience in Foster Care
This fact sheet provides resources to help advocates support young people in...
More
Child Welfare, Congregate care, Foster care, Health, Mental Health
ALERT: Examples of How AB 153 Funding and Medicaid Can be Used to Support Family Based Settings
This publication provides an update on funding that the state has made...
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This publication provides an update on funding that the state has made available to county child welfare agencies and probation departments to support family based care for young people with complex needs. This Alert summarizes additional guidance provided by CDSS on how funds for Child-Specific Requests for Exceptional Needs and Capacity Building Requests can be used. The Alert also includes examples of Medicaid-related services that may also be leveraged before or when making Child-Specific requests.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
2/2023
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
AB-153-Alert.pdf
Access to care, Child Welfare, Foster care, Health, Medicaid/Medi-Cal, Public Benefits/Funding
SUPPORT Act Implementation Resource
This resource alert provides an update related to older foster youth access...
More
This resource alert provides an update related to older foster youth access to Medicaid. The Affordable Care Act provided Medicaid eligibility for former foster youth until age 26 if they were in foster care at age 18 or older and were enrolled in Medicaid at that time. When it was enacted, the law did not require states to provide this coverage to youth who were not in foster care in their state. The SUPPORT Act (“Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act”) fixes this gap for young people who turn age 18 on January 1, 2023 or after.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
2/2023
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
SUPPORT-ACT-Alert.pdf
Health, Transitional Medicaid
What is CalAim? A YLC Fact Sheet
More
AB 12, AB 12 Probation, Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Foster care, Independent Living/Transition, Juvenile Justice
Youth Law Center Housing Resources (2020-present)
Homelessness and housing/placement instability for current foster youth, youth in extended foster...
More
Homelessness and housing/placement instability for current foster youth, youth in extended foster care and former foster youth, are critical issues facing transition-aged youth (TAY) (ages 16-25) in California. Despite broad protections and housing/placement entitlements for youth, many youth are involuntarily exited from transitional housing before reaching the maximum age or duration of participation This resource provides an overview of housing options for current and former foster youth in California, and an index of all housing-related resources and trainings by the Youth Law Center from 2020 through March 2023.
Author(s):
Date:
3/2023
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
March-2023-Update_-YLC-Housing-Resources-2020-present.pdf
Youth Forward v Sacramento – Settlement Agreement
More
Education
Maintaining Eligibility for Education and Training Vouchers (ETV)
More
Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Education, Foster care, Independent Living/Transition
Golden State Social Opportunities Program
More
SMHS Info Sheet – LSNC
More
SMHS Info Sheet – BayLegal and LSC
More
Education, Education Access, Juvenile Justice
Final Comments on PEP Proposed Regulations
More
Child Welfare, Education, Foster care
Supporting Higher Education Success for Youth with Experience in Foster Care and Homelessness-Briefing Summary
More
AB 12, Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Independent Living/Transition, Juvenile Justice
Fact Sheet: Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus)
Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus) is a transitional housing program designed to provide...
More
Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus) is a transitional housing program designed to provide housing and supportive transitional services to former foster youth who are 18 to 25 years of age, including youth who were placed in foster care by juvenile probation. The dual components of THP-Plus include (1) the housing subsidy and services facilitated by the county and (2) youth's possession of the housing unit "that was secured by, but may not be owned by, the THP-Plus housing agency." The purpose of THP-Plus is to assist youth as they move from dependency to self-sufficiency.
Author(s):
Date:
12/2022
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
Fact-Sheet_-THP-Plus-Final-Updated-December-2022.pdf
AB 12, Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Independent Living/Transition, Juvenile Justice
Policy Alert: THP-Plus Program Expansion: A Resource for Current and Former Foster Youth in California
The Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus) is a transitional housing program that provides...
More
The Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus) is a transitional housing program that provides housing and supportive services to former foster youth who are 18 to 25 years-old, including youth who were placed in foster care by the juvenile justice court. This resource for current and former foster youth provides an overview of the THP-Plus program and discusses the new program changes (as of July 1, 2022) that allow youth to remain in the program up until age 25 (instead of 24) and for 36 months total (instead of 24).
Author(s):
Date:
11/2022
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
Policy-Alert-THP-Plus-Program-Expansion.pdf
AB 12, Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Independent Living/Transition, Juvenile Justice
An Overview of FYI/FUP Vouchers: A Resource for Current and Former Foster Youth in California
The Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative and Family Unification Program (FUP)...
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The Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative and Family Unification Program (FUP) are Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs available to Public Housing Authorities that work in partnership with Public Child Welfare Agencies (PCWAs). This resource provides an overview of FYI and FUP for young people who are leaving or have left foster care.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
11/2022
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
FYIFUP-Housing-as-a-Former-or-Current-Foster-Youth.pdf
Multi-Year Plan Report Feedback
More
AB 12, Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Independent Living/Transition, Juvenile Justice
Maximizing Housing Entitlements for Current and Former Foster Youth
Homelessness both during extended foster care and after leaving extended foster care...
More
Homelessness both during extended foster care and after leaving extended foster care are critical issues facing system-impacted transition-aged youth (TAY). This resource shows how a youth may maximize their time using housing options available to current and former foster youth in California.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
10/2022
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Housing-Maximization-Resource.pdf
"Know your rights", Juvenile Justice, Juvenile justice legal issues, Youth Development/Youth Rights
Voting Rights of Youth in Juvenile Facilities
More
Aging Out/Transition
TAY PX Flyer
More
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
10/2022
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
TAY-PX-One-Pager.pdf
Funding and Technical Assistance for Complex Cases
More
Child Welfare, Foster care, Foster Care Benefits, Public Benefits/Funding
Foster Care Benefits: AFDC-FC Program Change Alert
Foster Care Benefits: AFDC-FC Program Change Alert
More
Child Welfare, Foster care, Kinship/guardianship, Relatives/kinship care
Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program Fact Sheet
Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program Fact Sheet
More
Babies/young children, Child Welfare, Foster care
Info Sheet for Pregnant & Parenting Foster Youth in CA
More
Juvenile Justice
Research on Youth Incarceration
More
Detention, Juvenile Justice, Juvenile Justice Reform, Placement/Confinement
Calling Out the Harms of Incarceration: Using Research to Fight Confinement of Youth
More
Juvenile Justice, Juvenile Justice Reform
Building Community Power in Youth Justice Reform – The Brown Act and Juvenile Realignment
This resource explains how public meeting laws under the Brown Act apply...
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This resource explains how public meeting laws under the Brown Act apply to local juvenile justice decision-making and planning bodies, and in particular to the realignment process in California. The Brown Act laws protect the community’s right to participate in important juvenile justice decision making currently taking place in each county across the state. This resource is intended both for members of the public and for members of local Realignment Subcommittees to understand the public meeting requirements under the Brown Act.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
9/2022
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Building-Community-Power-in-Youth-Justice-Reform-The-Brown-Act-and-Juvenile-Realignment.pdf
Child Welfare, Foster care, Teen parenting
Rights of Pregnant and Parenting Foster Youth in California
Rights of Pregnant and Parenting Foster Youth in California - A Fact...
More
Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Foster care, Independent Living/Transition, Public Benefits/Funding
FYI/FUP Template Letters
Assisting young adults in securing affordable housing continues to be a challenging...
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Assisting young adults in securing affordable housing continues to be a challenging task. The tools included with this packet can be used as one strategy among many to help your clients access affordable housing. Please note that these strategies aim to increase your county’s use of FUP and FYI vouchers and likely will not result in immediate housing for your clients.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
8/2022
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
FYI-and-FUP-Template-Letters-082022.pdf
Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Foster care, Legal Representation, Public Benefits/Funding
Information gathering letter on existing FYI program
More
Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Foster care, Legal Representation, Permanency planning, Public Benefits/Funding
Referral letter for FUP from Civil Legal Aid attorney
More
Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Legal Representation, Public Benefits/Funding
Referral letter for FYI from Civil Legal Aid attorney
More
Child Welfare, Foster care
CA Wraparound Programs for Children and Youth in Foster Care
More
Juvenile Justice
BSCC Juvenile Facility Regulations Revisions – Quick Facts
More
Child Welfare, Group Homes/Non-Secure Placement, Legal Representation, Placement/Confinement
FFPSA: Advocacy and Enforcement Template Letters
A host of new “Complex Care” supports and forms of assistance have...
More
A host of new “Complex Care” supports and forms of assistance have been put into place to help develop innovative, highly individualized service models to ensure young people are always in the least restrictive placement and with family whenever possible. More information about these supports is available in the California Department of Social Services’ Complex Care Resource Guide at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCR/Complex-Care-Guide-031122.pdf. While these resources are available for use by all county welfare agencies and probation departments, they are not yet widely known or understood. Advocates should familiarize themselves with the resources available and make specific requests for these services, and when possible should make requests in writing to develop a record. In order to assist attorneys and advocates in making these requests, we are providing the following templates that can be easily filled out to make youth-specific requests for these new services.
Author(s):
Date:
6/2022
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
FFPSA-Advocacy-and-Enforcement-Template-Letters-v.2.docx
Child Welfare, Child/Adolescent Development, Health, Juvenile Justice, Medicaid/Medi-Cal, Public Benefits/Funding
Building on the Momentum: How Appropriate Implementation of Community Based Supports Can Help Youth with Complex Care Needs
More
Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Foster care, Independent Living/Transition, Public Benefits/Funding
FYI Referral Letter CA Attorneys
More
Aging Out/Transition, Independent Living/Transition, Public Benefits/Funding
FYI and FUP for Youth Overview Factsheet
More
Aging Out/Transition, Health, Transitional Medicaid
S 2689 FAQ
More
Aging Out/Transition, Health, Transitional Medicaid
S. 2689 Two Pager
More
Child Welfare, Child/Adolescent Development, Health
Senate Sub Committee 3 – YLC Testimony
More
Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice, Legal Representation
Outreach Handout for QLSPs
More
Aging Out/Transition
National Tax FAQ for TAY
More
Juvenile Justice
CLEAR v. FRESNO Settlement Agreement – Attachments
More
Juvenile Justice
CLEAR v. FRESNO Settlement Agreement
More
Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Foster care, Independent Living/Transition
THP-NMD: An Advocacy Guide to Preventing Involuntary Exits
More
Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Foster care
Transition Planning Check List for Young People Aging Out on December 31st
More
AB 12, Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Independent Living/Transition
Fact Sheet: Transitional Housing Placement for Non-Minor Dependents (THP-NMD)
The Transitional Housing Placement program for Non-Minor Dependents (THP-NMD) is a transitional...
More
The Transitional Housing Placement program for Non-Minor Dependents (THP-NMD) is a transitional housing placement for nonminor dependents (NMDs), ages 18 to 21. THP-NMD programs offer supervised, transitional housing services to nonminor dependent foster youth under the supervision of the county welfare department or the juvenile probation department. A transitional housing provider can serve youth ages 16 to 18 years old, NMDs, or both. The goal of THP-NMD is to provide safe housing for NMDs and services to support the skills youth need to transition to independent living.
Author(s):
Date:
7/2022
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
THP-NMD-Fact-Sheet-UPDATE-7.2022.pdf
Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Independent Living/Transition
Fact Sheet: Transitional Housing Placement for Minors (THP-M)
The Transitional Housing Placement Program for Minors (THP-M) is a transitional housing...
More
The Transitional Housing Placement Program for Minors (THP-M) is a transitional housing placement for youth in foster care ages 16 to 18. The THP-M program offers supervised, transitional housing services to foster youth under the supervision of the county welfare department or the juvenile probation department. A transitional housing provider can serve youth ages 16 to 18 years old, non-minor dependents, or both. The goal of THP-M is to assist youth transitioning from foster care to independent living by increasing the freedom and responsibilities of the youth as they near transition to extended foster care.
Author(s):
Date:
11/2021
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
THP-M-Fact-Sheet-10.2021.pdf
Juvenile Justice
CLEAR v Fresno et al
More
Aging Out/Transition, Child Welfare, Foster care, Public Benefits/Funding
Six Ways to Ensure Transition Aged Youth Leverage Federal Support During and Post-Pandemic
A few things you can do to help transition aged youth with...
More
Aging Out/Transition
Recommendations at a Glance: A Call to Action for Transition-Aged Youth During the Pandemic
More
Aging Out/Transition
A Call to Action For Transition-Aged Foster Youth During the Pandemic
A Call to Action For Transition-Aged Foster Youth During the Pandemic
More
Legal Representation
Tips for Preparing Youth for Virtual Hearings in Child Welfare Matters
Tips for Preparing Youth for Virtual Hearings in Child Welfare Matters
More
Education, Juvenile records/court proceedings
WIC 827: Quick Tips for Education Advocates
More
Aging Out/Transition
Benefits for Young Adults – American Rescue Plan
Many young adults, including older youth in foster care, are eligible for...
More
Many young adults, including older youth in foster care, are eligible for an array of benefits through the American Rescue Plan, but many do not know about these benefits or how to access them. Economic Impact Payments, the Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit, are among the benefits that young people may be eligible for, but they must file a tax return as soon as possible to get these funds. Together these benefits could add up to several thousand dollars. The IRS has re-launched its non-filers tool, which makes filing taxes much easier! This document provides information on federal benefits and programs. Please check to see if your state offers additional benefits and funds that young people are eligible for.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
8/2021
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
EIPS_CTC_EITC_Aug-2021.pdf
Placement/Confinement
AB 153: Phasing Out Out-of-State Residential Facility Placements for Children in Foster Care
In a critical victory for California’s most vulnerable children, California has enacted...
More
In a critical victory for California’s most vulnerable children, California has enacted AB 153 (2021), phasing out the use of out-of-state residential facilities by California child welfare and probation departments and removing children in foster care from out-of-state facilities by July 1, 2023. This action follows a year of Youth Law Center advocacy demanding that California exercise its oversight and enforcement obligations to protect California youth from being placed in dangerous out of state facilities that fail to comply with California standards, and ensure those children receive appropriate care in family settings in their home communities.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
8/2021
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
AB-153-Phasing-Out-Out-of-State-Residential-Facility-Placement-August-2021.pdf
Foster care
Foster Care Overview Fact Sheet
Foster Care Overview Fact Sheet
More
Juvenile justice legal issues
Juvenile Justice Overview Fact Sheet
Juvenile Justice Overview Fact Sheet
More
Specific services/programs
Medicaid/Medi-Cal for Youth in the Juvenile Justice System Fact Sheet
Medicaid/Medi-Cal for Youth in the Juvenile Justice System
More
Disposition/placement, Title IV-E funding
Title IV-E for Youth in the Juvenile Justice System Fact Sheet
Title IV-E for Youth in the Juvenile Justice System
More
FAQ: Chafee Cash Card Eligibility & Distribution for Young People in Juvenile Detention, Juvenile Justice Placements or Who are Incarcerated or in Detention in the Adult System
This frequently asked questions resource is intended to clarify both eligibility for...
More
This frequently asked questions resource is intended to clarify both eligibility for and logistical access to Chafee pandemic relief funds in California for young people in a variety of detention settings. It is important for advocates to be aware that many young people who are currently detained are still eligible for these funds, but may need assistance applying.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
7/2021
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
CHAFEE-CASH-CARD-ELIGIBILITY-AND-DISTRIBUTION-FOR-YOUNG-PEOPLE-IN-JUVENILE-DETENTION_July-29-1.pdf
Public Benefits/Funding
Resource, Foster and Kinship Families & the Child Tax Credit (CTC)
Many resource, foster and kinship families are either unaware of, or given...
More
Many resource, foster and kinship families are either unaware of, or given incorrect information about, their ability to access the new federal child tax credit as a result of caring for children in their homes. This resource provides basic information about the CTC which we hope will assist both families and their advocates to receive the benefit amounts to which they are entitled.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
7/2021
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
QPI-CTC-FAQ-_July-26.pdf
Aging Out/Transition
TAY Pandemic Funding Maximization Matrix
Transition-aged youth continue to face challenges during the pandemic and recovery. The...
More
Transition-aged youth continue to face challenges during the pandemic and recovery. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan have provided an array of funds and benefits, however, many young people and their advocates are not aware of all that is available for transition aged youth and young adults. This matrix provides an inventory of some of the key funds, benefits and programs that transition aged youth may benefit from. This list includes benefits for young people with experience in foster care as well as those who are not system involved. We hope that it will help you access concrete resources for individual young people and advocate for the development of programs and services for transition aged youth.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
7/2021
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
TAY-Pandemic-Funding-Maximization-Matrix-102621.pdf
Child Welfare, Foster care
YLC FFPSA Implementation Q1 Comments
More
Child Welfare, Foster care
YLC Comments on FFPSA Trailer Bill
More
Child Welfare
FFPSA Implementation Trailer Bill Narrative
YLC recently submitted comments to the CDSS on the initial print version of...
More
YLC recently submitted comments to the CDSS on the initial print version of the proposed budget trailer bill implementing the 2018 federal Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) to raise concerns primarily about the timing and coordination of key elements of the case planning process and the adequacy of equitable provisions governing probation supervised foster youth.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
3/2021
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
FFPSA-Implementation-Trailer-Bill-Narrative.pdf
Aging Out/Transition, Independent Living/Transition
Ensuring Stability and Success for Youth Tenants in THP-Plus
Youth Law Center and Bay Area Legal Aid have created a new...
More
Youth Law Center and Bay Area Legal Aid have created a new resource that we hope will be useful to your advocacy. Ensuring Stability and Success for Youth Tenants in THP-Plus was developed to help civil legal advocates initiate capacity-building conversations about transition planning with THP-Plus providers and the county agencies that oversee them. THP-Plus is a transitional program for former foster youth that provides eligible young people with a housing subsidy, in addition to supportive services administered by contracted nonprofit agencies or by counties directly. This tool helps build shared language and knowledge around THP-Plus agencies’ transition planning duties under state regulations and state and federal housing and antidiscrimination law. It also makes recommendations for how THP-Plus agencies can establish strong working relationships with THP-Plus participants, to further support them in achieving their goals
Author(s):
Youth Law Center, Bay Area Legal Aid
Date:
3/2021
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Ensuring-Stability-and-Success-for-Youth-Tenants-in-THP-Plus.pdf
Older Youth Provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act – Supporting Foster Youth and Families Through the Pandemic
Did you know that the most recent federal stimulus bill contained resources...
More
Did you know that the most recent federal stimulus bill contained resources and protections specifically for current and former foster youth? Our partners at Juvenile Law Center have created a fact sheet summarizing the parts of the law that affect transition age youth in or exiting foster care. We will provide information about how to access these important financial supports as information becomes available. Note that California already has extended financial support for youth who turned 21 in foster care during the public health emergency, and any eligible youth who has not received these supports should contact their county child welfare agency for assistance.
Author(s):
Juvenile Law Center
Date:
1/2021
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
UPDATED-Older-Youth-Child-Provision_Detailed-Summary_Jan-12.pdf
Education Access, Juvenile Justice
YLC Policy Bulletin: Federal Financial Aid
Congress passes legislation that will make it easier for students to get...
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Congress passes legislation that will make it easier for students to get financial aid!
Congress has passed legislation that will greatly simplify the financial aid application process by 2023. with specific benefits for youth with prior involvement in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
Changes include:
- Shortening and simplifying the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Filling out the FAFSA can be very intimidating for all students, but can be particularly difficult for youth in the child welfare or juvenile justice system, who may not have easy access to financial aid professionals to help them. These changes will make it easier for youth and supportive to complete the application
- Removing the requirement that students register for selective service in order to get financial aid. This can be a barrier for older students who were in foster care or the juvenile justice system during their high school years, which can lead to students not knowing that they have to sign up for selective service.
- Fighting misconceptions about youth eligibility for the Pell Grant. After many years of advocacy, adults who are incarcerated will once again be eligible to receive financial aid! While youth in the juvenile justice system have always retained eligibility for federal financial aid, it's easy for people to get confused about the difference between the adult and juvenile systems. This change should help fight misconceptions about aid eligibility for youth in the juvenile justice system, as well as benefit adults in the criminal justice system, including those who have prior involvement with child welfare or juvenile justice.
- Allowing financial aid officers to accept a wide range of documentation, including phone calls from agencies, attorneys, CASAs, and others, for foster youth, unaccompanied homeless youth, or other independent student status. Youth who are deemed independent students can fill out the FAFSA without parental information, and may qualify for more financial aid. In the past, the process for becoming an "independent student" has been difficult, and can vary widely from college to college. Changes in this legislation will make it easier for students to qualify as independent, and will prevent students from having to prove their independent status every year.
- Linkages with benefits programs. This legislation will require the FAFSA to coordinate more with federal benefits programs to ensure that eligible youth and families apply for available support. Increasing knowledge of available support services, as well as increasing outreach by benefits programs, can help youth access much-needed funds for food, healthcare, or other needs.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
12/2021
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
YLC-Fin-Aid-Policy-Bulletin-1.pdf
Crossover Youth, Education, Education Access, Enrollment/re-entry, Juvenile Justice
Financial Aid for Juvenile Justice System-Involved Youth
This resource is meant to help youth who are about to graduate...
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This resource is meant to help youth who are about to graduate from higher school and/or who are under the age of 26 with juvenile justice system involvement maximize the amount of financial aid they receive to attend college. The guide covers what financial aid is and how to get it, offers tips for troubleshooting common issues, and provides links to resources that cover in-depth financial aid questions for foster youth, homeless youth, and youth who are undocumented or DACA recipients. The guide is intended to be accessible enough for use by youth on their own or in partnership with financial aid counselors, social workers, probation officers, and other adults supporting youth in seeking financial aid.
This guide was originally posted on November 19th, 2020 and last revised on March 24th, 2021.
Author(s):
Date:
11/2020
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
YLC-Financial-Aid-Guide-for-Juvenile-Justice-Involved-Youth-rev.2020.03.pdf
Aging Out/Transition
Preventing Involuntary Exits from THP-Plus
Preventing Involuntary Exits from Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus) was developed after young...
More
Preventing Involuntary Exits from Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus) was developed after young adults reported being exited prematurely from their transitional housing programs, sometimes without notice or proper process. In THP-Plus, a transitional program for former foster youth, a quarter of program exits are involuntary. Our new advocacy guide summarizes the legal protections that young adults have--both as former foster youth and as tenants--to remain in THP-Plus and stay housed. The guide also contains advocacy checklists, practice scenarios, and links to other relevant resources.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
11/2020
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Preventing-Involuntary-Exits-from-THP-Plus_Final.pdf
Access to care, Aging Out/Transition, Detention, Disposition/placement, Education, Group Homes/Non-Secure Placement, Health, Independent Living/Transition, Juvenile Justice, Mental Health, Placement/Confinement, Public Benefits/Funding, Reducing Incarceration, Secure Juvenile Facilities
Youth Returning to the Community from Juvenile Justice Facilities: A Guide for Advocates
No child should remain in custody due to the lack of a...
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No child should remain in custody due to the lack of a reentry plan. Now more than ever, the
juvenile justice system must make every possible effort to return detained youth to their families
and/or home communities.
This guide is for advocates working to release detained youth and support them in the
community during the COVID-19 pandemic. This guide can be used to create comprehensive
transition plans for individual youth, which serve the dual purpose of demonstrating to the Court
or Probation that a youth can be served in the community and should be released and providing
a roadmap for provision of supportive services. The guide can also help advocates who wish to
shift practice and policy to releasing youth and serving them in the community, but are not sure
where to start.
Author(s):
Date:
8/2020
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
YLC-Juvenile-Justice-Reentry-Checklist.pdf
Aging Out/Transition, Foster care, Independent Living/Transition
Seven Strategies Counties Can Implement to Ensure Housing Stability and Maximize Participation in THP-Plus During COVID-19
Did you know that the California state budget recently made changes to...
More
Did you know that the California state budget recently made changes to the eligibility requirements for THP-Plus? THP-Plus is a transitional housing program for young adults who have exited foster care, but it is time-limited. Recognizing that the normal time limitations were putting former foster youth at risk of homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis, the state budget gave counties the option to keep THP-Plus participants in their programs until June 30, 2021, even if they reach the maximum age or duration. Learn more about this emergency extension and other strategies to prevent homelessness among former foster youth in our updated resource, Seven Strategies Counties Can Implement to Ensure Housing Stability and Maximize Participation in Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus) During COVID-19. Many thanks to our partners at John Burton Advocates for Youth and Bay Area Legal Aid for co-authoring this resource.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
8/2020
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
THP-Plus-Seven-Strategies-During-COVID-Crisis-updated-8-24-20.pdf
Social Justice Activism and Normalcy
Normalcy policy and practices require foster care systems and caregivers to ensure...
More
Normalcy policy and practices require foster care systems and caregivers to ensure youth in foster care have the age-appropriate experiences required for healthy development and well-being. So, what does normalcy look like during a time in our history when nothing is seemingly "normal"? Prohibiting or limiting access to advocacy opportunities and supportive communities is both inconsistent with the law, and has real consequences to the well-being, resiliency, and ability of youth in foster care to become a powerful adult. Shutting these youth out of racial justice advocacy also has societal consequences. Youth in foster care need the opportunity to elevate the issues and solutions related to structural racism in foster care. We believe the definition of prudent parenting includes both parenting for racial justice and an interpretation of normalcy that requires the facilitation of participation in activism as a developmental necessity for youth in foster care.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
7/2020
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
YLC-Social-Justice-Activism-and-Normalcy.pdf
Standards/enforcement
Guide to Online Information on California Licensed and Out of State Facilities
Guide to Online Information on California Licensed and Out of State Facilities
More
A New Deal for Transition Age Foster Youth in California: A Policy Roadmap for Ensuring a Resilient Recovery After COVID-19
The Youth Law Center is proud to share a new policy brief,...
More
The Youth Law Center is proud to share a new policy brief, A New Deal for Transition Age Foster Youth in California: A Policy Roadmap for Ensuring a Resilient Recovery after COVID-19. The brief reflects upon California’s emergency policy response for transition age youth who are in foster care or have recently exited care, and proposes several short- and long-term action steps to guide future policy in the aftermath of the COVID-19 public health crisis and the resulting economic recession.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
7/2020
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
YLC_A-New-Deal-for-Transition-Age-Foster-Youth.pdf
Independent Living/Transition
Six Immediate Steps for THP-Plus Stability
Youth Law Center, in partnership with John Burton Advocates for Youth and...
More
Youth Law Center, in partnership with John Burton Advocates for Youth and Bay Area Legal Aid, has developed a resource to promote housing stability among youth in California's Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus). THP-Plus programs provide transitional housing and supportive services for former foster youth between the ages of 18 and 24, and sometimes up to age 25. THP-Plus is a time-limited program, and youth participants have contacted YLC expressing fear and uncertainty about losing their housing during the current public health emergency, when alternative housing options and transitional supports are scarce.
YLC strongly believes that all California counties that contract with THP-Plus providers should take immediate action to maintain youth in THP-Plus housing whenever possible, expand housing capacity for transition age youth, and continue transition planning services to ensure that THP-Plus participants do not exit their programs at extreme risk of homelessness. Youth in THP-Plus are tenants under California law and are entitled to the same protections.
This resource, Six Immediate Steps Counties Can Take to Ensure Housing Stability and Maximize Participation in THP-Plus During COVID-19, describes funding streams and promising strategies that counties should utilize in administering their THP-Plus programs during the current state of emergency and for a reasonable time afterward. Please share this resource widely to any counties, programs, and advocates for whom it would be helpful.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
5/2020
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Six-Immediate-Steps-for-THP-Plus-Stability_May-2020.pdf
Foster care
Child Welfare Advocates COVID-19 Response Letter
The Youth Law Center joins a coalition of child welfare advocates in...
More
The Youth Law Center joins a coalition of child welfare advocates in requesting Governor Newsom and the California State Legislature take immediate actions to protect the health and well-being of California’s children and youth in foster care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fellow advocates include: John Burton Advocates for Youth, California Alliance of Caregivers, Alliance for Children's Rights, California Alliance of Child and Family Services, Children Now, Children's Advocacy Institute, Children's Law Center, National Center for Youth Law, and VOICES.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
3/2020
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Child-Welfare-Advocates-COVID-19-Response-Letter.pdf
Congregate care
Emergency Planning Toolkit for Youth in Congregate Care
Youth Law Center has developed an emergency planning resource to support attorneys...
More
Youth Law Center has developed an emergency planning resource to support attorneys and advocates working with youth in congregate care. As you know more than anyone, youth in congregate care facilities face acute risks in a public health emergency. Meanwhile, the state licensing agencies that are tasked with monitoring the safety and wellbeing of young people in group care are facing incredible strain as they respond to the public health needs of all licensed facilities. Advocates have an important role to play in monitoring facility conditions and expediting transitions out of group care whenever necessary to meet the individualized needs of young people.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
3/2020
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
YLC-Toolkit-for-Emergency-Planning-with-Youth-in-Congregate-Care.pdf
Aging Out/Transition
Emergency Planning Toolkit for Transition Age Youth in Foster Care
Updated August 31, 2021. YLC has created an emergency planning resource to...
More
Updated August 31, 2021. YLC has created an emergency planning resource to support attorneys and advocates working with transition age youth and their families during this crisis. The resource focuses on planning with TAY in foster care, but much of the content applies more broadly to all young people and their families. We hope that this resource can provide an initial set of topics to cover with clients, as well as useful resources for specific issue areas. Some of our partners have already adapted the document to their specific jurisdiction.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
8/2021
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
August-2021-Update-TAY-Emergency-Plan.pdf
Independent Living/Transition
Transitional House Program-Plus (THP-Plus) – YLC Fact Sheet
Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus) is a transitional housing placement program designed to...
More
Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus) is a transitional housing placement program designed to provide housing and supportive services to former foster youth who are 18 to 24 years of age. This fact sheet discusses Transitional Housing Program-Plus.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
2/2020
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
Education Access
CA Assembly Bill 1354 – Fact Sheet
This fact sheet provides basic information about Assembly Bill 1354, signed into law...
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This fact sheet provides basic information about Assembly Bill 1354, signed into law in 2019 and effective on January 1, 2020. The AB 1354 fact sheet describes which youth are eligible for online college courses, what programs are available, and who is responsible for providing them. The fact sheet can help youth and parents understand the programs and supports the youth are entitled to under this new law and can help agency personnel and advocates explain details of the new laws to their colleagues and clients.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
12/2019
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
AB-1354-Fact-Sheet.pdf
Education Access
CA Senate Bill 716 – Fact Sheet
This fact sheet provides basic information about Senate Bill 716, signed into law...
More
This fact sheet provides basic information about Senate Bill 716, signed into law in 2019 and effective on January 1, 2020. The SB 716 fact sheet describes which youth are eligible for online college courses, what programs are available, and who is responsible for providing them. The fact sheet can help youth and parents understand the programs and supports the youth are entitled to under this new law and can help agency personnel and advocates explain details of the new laws to their colleagues and clients.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
12/2019
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
SB-716-Fact-Sheet.pdf
Foster parents
Supporting Birth and Resource Parent Partnerships to Improve the Lives of Children
Powerpoint presentation from YLC's workshop titled "Supporting Birth and Resource Parent Partnerships...
More
Comment Letter on Proposed Regulation RIN 0991-AC16
Joint comment letter, with Juvenile Law Center, on U.S. Department of Health...
More
Joint comment letter, with Juvenile Law Center, on U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Notice of Nonenforcement of LGBTQ non-discrimination regulations.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
12/2019
Document Type:
Legislative Materials
Document:
JLC_YLC-Comments_RIN0991AC16_December-19_-3.pdf
Rivera v. Kent , joint amicus letter
Rivera v. Kent, joint amicus letter, with National Center for Youth Law,...
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Rivera v. Kent, joint amicus letter, with National Center for Youth Law, in support of review of Rivera v. Kent, which improperly held that DHCS, as the state’s single state agency for Medicaid purposes, did not have a mandatory duty to ensure adherence to Medi-Cal’s timeliness, notice and other requirements. The California Supreme Court granted review of this case which impacts the ability of California’s children to enforce countless statutory rights to critical services offered through joint federal-state programs.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
9/2019
Document Type:
Litigation Materials
Document:
S257304_Rivera-v.-Kent-Amicus-Letter-Final-1.pdf
In re T.S., Amicus Letter in Support of Petition for Review
In re T.S., amicus letter in support of petition for review of...
More
In re T.S., amicus letter in support of petition for review of appellate decision upholding the juvenile court’s adjudication of a minor on a robbery charge without sufficient evidence, affirming the court’s use at disposition of rap lyrics written by minor with no history of violence to prove public safety risk and commit him to camp for one year, and rejecting the minor’s claim of ineffective assistance of counsel for failing to object to the admission of the rap lyrics.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
12/2019
Document Type:
Litigation Materials
Document:
S259083_LB_YouthLawCenter.pdf
Amicus letter in Support of a Petition for Review
In re Alonzo M., Amicus letter in support of a petition for review...
More
In re Alonzo M., Amicus letter in support of a petition for review by the California Supreme Court of an appellate decision that an electronic search probation condition for a minor adjudicated for an offense that did not involve the use of electronic devices was valid because there was a legitimate probation interest in monitoring the youth's interaction with "negative social influences" in Oakland, where the youth planned to live to be closer to his job. The probation condition required the minor to submit to warrantless search of any electronic device under his control, at any time of day or night, including passcodes. The court based its conclusion on evidence in the record that the minor reported a “negative social environment” and “negative peer group” in Oakland, where he planned to live to be close to his job. The amicus letter argues that the appellate decision is contrary to Ricardo P. , 7 Cal. 5th 1113 (2019), and will disproportionately impact youth in low-income communities.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
11/2019
Document Type:
Litigation Materials
Document:
Alonzo-M-YLC-FileStampedCopy-Sup-Ct.pdf
Amicus Curiae Letter of Youth Law Center, National Center of Youth Law, and East Bay Family Defenders in Support of the Petition for Review
Amicus Curiae Letter of Youth Law Center, National Center of Youth Law,...
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Amicus Curiae Letter of Youth Law Center, National Center of Youth Law, and East Bay Family Defenders in Support of the Petition for Review in the California Supreme Court to challenge an appellate decision categorically prohibiting the recovery of attorneys’ fees under Civil Procedure section 1021.5 for all cases arising out of dependency proceedings. The California Supreme Court denied review.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
11/2019
Document Type:
Litigation Materials
Document:
S258307_In-the-Matter-of-Nicole-S_Amicus-Letter.pdf
Education Access
Education Rights & Responsibilities Toolkit for Juvenile Justice System Involved Youth
This toolkit provides education-related information and resources regarding the rights of juvenile...
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This toolkit provides education-related information and resources regarding the rights of juvenile justice system involved youth and the responsibilities of system stakeholders. Stakeholders can use the toolkit to understand their obligations in meeting the education needs of youth with juvenile justice system involvement. Parents and advocates can use it to support youths' education-related rights and to hold system stakeholders accountable. The information is organized by each stage of juvenile justice system involvement--detention, transition and release, reentry, community placement, and home supervision.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
11/2019
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Ed-Rights-Responsibilities-Toolkit-Nov-2019.pdf
Legal Representation
Youth Law Considerations for Civil Legal Services
Youth Law Considerations for Civil Legal Services
More
Child Welfare
Pathways to Justice Conference – Caring for Someone Else’s Child (materials packet)
Pathways to Justice Conference session – Caring for Someone Else’s Child (materials...
More
Education Access
A Positive Youth Justice System
The National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (NICJR) is designing a transformed...
More
The National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (NICJR) is designing a transformed juvenile justice system that is rooted in communities, that is based on restorative justice practices, and that invests in youth, families, and communities. This NICJR report lays out ten steps to transform the juvenile justice system to improve outcomes for youth and protect public safety. One of the recommendations is to replace current facilities with education-focused, therapeutic programs close to the youth's home, and to use such facilities only when the youth has been adjudicated for a serious offense, the youth is a serious risk to public safety, and all community-based alternatives have been exhausted.
Author(s):
David Muhammad, National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (NICJR)
Date:
2/2019
Document Type:
Articles/Monographs
Document:
PYJS-Report-NICJR-Feb-2019.pdf
Aging Out/Transition, Child/Adolescent Development, Education Access, Mental Health
Closing the Extracurriculars Gap: Prioritizing Extracurricular Activities as a Key Intervention for Children and Youth in Foster Care and Juvenile Justice
This Youth Law Center report describes the benefits of extracurricular participation for...
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This Youth Law Center report describes the benefits of extracurricular participation for youth, families, and communities; highlights the legal and policy supports for extracurricular participation for system-involved youth; lists system barriers to extracurricular participation; explores ways to overcome those barriers; and makes recommendations to increase extracurricular participation for system-involved youth. The report notes that extracurriculars are crucial for access to higher education, not only to have a competitive college application and help secure funding, but also to build the skills and connections youth need to succeed in college.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
1/2019
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Closing-the-Extracurriculars-Gap-2022.pdf
Adoption
Adoption Assistance Fact Sheet
Adoption Assistance
More
Foster care
Providing Normalcy for California Foster Youth
Providing Normalcy for California Foster Youth
More
Standards/enforcement
Ensuring Accountability and Transparency for Out-of-State Facilities
Ensuring Accountability and Transparency for Out-of-State Facilities
More
Legal/policy issues
Youth Arrests in Group Homes and Shelters
Youth Arrests in Group Homes and Shelters Handout
More
Relatives/kinship care
Relative Caregiver Fact Sheet
Relative Caregiver Fact Sheet
More
Juvenile justice legal issues, Legal/policy analyses
A.M. v. Holmes Amicus Brief
Amicus brief filed with US Supreme Court in A.M. v. Holmes, challenging...
More
Amicus brief filed with US Supreme Court in A.M. v. Holmes, challenging the arrest of a 13 year old New Mexico boy for "fake burping" and laughing in class (criminalizing normal behavior)
Author(s):
Children's Law Office, Youth Law Center
Date:
3/2017
Document Type:
Litigation Materials
Document:
AM-v-Holmes-amicus-brief-SCOTUS-2017-03-10.pdf
LWOP/extremely long sentences
This “Unsung Hero” was a Convicted Murderer Until Gov. Brown Set in Free
Article on former YLC Unsung Hero.
More
Specific services/programs
Job Announcement – Director of Finance and Administration
Job Announcement - Director of Finance and Administration
More
Specific services/programs
Job Announcement – Development and Communications Coordinator
Job Description for Development and Communications Coordinator
More
LWOP/extremely long sentences
S.B. 206/261 Resources
Resource list for SB 260/26 - Sentencing Review for Juveniles Tried as...
More
Resource list for SB 260/26 - Sentencing Review for Juveniles Tried as Adults in California
Author(s):
Maria Ramiu
Date:
10/2016
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
SB-260-261-Resource-Sheet-2016.pdf
LWOP/extremely long sentences
SB 260/261 Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet on S.B. 260/261 - Sentencing Review for Juveniles Tried as...
More
Fact Sheet on S.B. 260/261 - Sentencing Review for Juveniles Tried as Adults in California
Author(s):
Maria Ramiu
Date:
10/2016
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
SB-260-2261-Fact-Sheet-2016.pdf
Congregate care, Foster care, Legal/policy issues
AB 2813 Fact Sheet – Equitable Standards for Foster Youth
This fact sheet describing AB 2813, a bill that would protect children...
More
This fact sheet describing AB 2813, a bill that would protect children and youth in foster care from being needlessly detained in juvenile halls solely due to their foster care status.
Author(s):
Assemblymember Bloom
Date:
3/2016
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
AB-2813-Fact-Sheet.pdf
Congregate care, Foster care, Legal/policy issues
AB 2813 – Letter to Gov. Brown – request for signature
Letter to Governor Brown requesting signature on AB 2813, a bill to...
More
Letter to Governor Brown requesting signature on AB 2813, a bill to protect children and youth in foster care from being needlessly detailed in juvenile hall solely due to their foster care status.
Author(s):
Virginia Corrigan
Date:
8/2016
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
AB-2813-Bloom-Request-for-Signature.pdf
Access to care/EPSDT, Transitional Medicaid
AB 1849: Fact Sheet
Fact sheet on AB 1849 (Gipson): Medi-Cal for Emancipating Foster Youth
More
Fact sheet on AB 1849 (Gipson): Medi-Cal for Emancipating Foster Youth
Author(s):
Virginia Corrigan
Date:
3/2016
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
Fact-Sheet-AB-1849-Gipson.pdf
Access to care, Access to care/EPSDT, Transitional Medicaid
AB 1849 – Request for Signature
Letter to Governor Brown requesting signature on AB 1849, a bill intended...
More
Letter to Governor Brown requesting signature on AB 1849, a bill intended to reduce barriers to foster youth receiving uninterrupted Medi-Cal services as they exit care. YLC co-sponsored this bill.
Author(s):
Virginia Corrigan
Date:
8/2016
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
AB-1849-Gipson-Request-for-Signature.pdf
Enrollment/re-entry
AB 2306 – Request for Signature
Letter requesting Governor Brown's signature on SB 2306, a bill to give...
More
Letter requesting Governor Brown's signature on SB 2306, a bill to give students transferring from juvenile court schools the same options to meet the state high school graduation requirements providing in existing law for foster youth.
Author(s):
Cat McCulloch
Date:
9/2016
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
AB-2306-request-for-signature.pdf
Detention, Disposition/placement, Legal/policy issues
SB 1143 Support Letter – Request for Signature
Letter to Governor Brown requesting his signature; a bill limiting use of...
More
Letter to Governor Brown requesting his signature; a bill limiting use of solitary confinement for juveniles in detention in California.
Author(s):
Virginia Corrigan
Date:
9/2016
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
SB-1143-YLC-Request-for-Signature-Letter-9.2.16.pdf
Enrollment/re-entry
Brown signs Frazier bill allowing juvenile court students to earn diploma
article appearing in the Reporter.com on AB 2306
More
Access to care/EPSDT
Good Health Starts with Smart Screening
Article published in Chronicle of Social Change on SB 1466.
More
Access to care/EPSDT
SB 1466 Sponsor letter
YLC Letter to Senator Mitchell sponsoring SB 1466, a bill to ensure...
More
YLC Letter to Senator Mitchell sponsoring SB 1466, a bill to ensure that trauma screening is incorporated into EPSDT services provided to at-risk youth receiving Medi-Cal benefits.
Author(s):
Robin Goldfaden
Date:
3/2016
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
SB-1466-Sponsor-letter-to-Mitchell-3.29.16.pdf
Access to care/EPSDT
#NAME?
Article in Chronicle of Social Change about SB 1466, a bill to...
More
Congregate care, Legal/policy issues
AB 2005 Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet on AB 2005; a bill that will put restrictions on...
More
Fact Sheet on AB 2005; a bill that will put restrictions on out of state foster care placements for youth under the supervision of probation.
Author(s):
Robin Goldfaden
Date:
9/2016
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
AB2005-Fact-Sheet.pdf
Congregate care, Legal/policy issues
AB 2005 – Request for Signature
Letter to Governor Brown Requesting Signature on AB 2005, a bill which...
More
Letter to Governor Brown Requesting Signature on AB 2005, a bill which will ensure that youth under probation supervision are placed in facilities outside of California only as a last resort.
Author(s):
Jennifer Rodriguez
Date:
9/2016
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
AB-2005-Request-for-Signature.pdf
Alternative education, Enrollment/re-entry
Counties turn to transition specialists to help students in court school succeed
Article discussing court schools and County Departments of Education starting to hire...
More
Specific services/programs
Job Annoucement – Policy Advocate
Job Announcement for Policy Advocate
More
Job Announcement for Policy Advocate
Author(s):
Jennifer Rodriguez
Date:
8/2016
Document Type:
YLC Quotes/Mentions
Document:
YLC-Policy-Advocate-Postion.pdf
Specific services/programs
Job Annoucement – Staff Attorney Position
Job Announcement for experience staff attorney
More
Job Announcement for experience staff attorney
Author(s):
Jennifer Rodriguez
Date:
8/2016
Document Type:
YLC Quotes/Mentions
Document:
YLC-Staff-Attorney-Position.pdf
Enrollment/re-entry
Request for Depublication
Request for Depublication in In re Ivan N., an opinion issued by...
More
Request for Depublication in In re Ivan N., an opinion issued by the California Court of Appeal holding that foster youth educational rights to not apply to probation supervised foster youth.
Author(s):
Maria Ramiu
Date:
7/2016
Document Type:
Litigation Materials
Document:
Ivan-N.-Request-for-Depublication.pdf
No Child Left Behind/other funding, Special education
Amicus Letter in Support of Petition for Review
Letter in support of Petition for Review in Campaign for Quality Education...
More
Letter in support of Petition for Review in Campaign for Quality Education v. State of California; Robles-Wong v. State of California.
Author(s):
Robin Goldfaden
Date:
6/2016
Document Type:
Litigation Materials
Document:
AmicusLetterInSupportofPetitionforReview.pdf
Juvenile justice legal issues
In re Gault – Agenda
Agenda for August 5, 2015 ABA conference on In re Gault
More
Agenda for August 5, 2015 ABA conference on In re Gault
Author(s):
ABA
Date:
7/2016
Document Type:
YLC Quotes/Mentions
Document:
Gault-Agenda.pdf
Juvenile justice legal issues
In Re Gault – Conference Flyer
Flyer for ABA Conference on "Fulfilling the Promise of Gault - Due...
More
Flyer for ABA Conference on "Fulfilling the Promise of Gault - Due Process and Effective advocacy for Youth in the 21st Century. YLC is co-sponsor of this along with ABA Commission on Youth at Risk, ABA Criminal Justice Section, National Juvenile Defender Center and National Center for Youth Law.
Author(s):
ABA
Date:
7/2016
Document Type:
YLC Quotes/Mentions
Document:
ABA-Flyer-Gault.pdf
SSI/Social Security, Transitional Medicaid
Foster Care SSI Support Letter
Letter of support to SSA regarding extension of window for foster youth...
More
Letter of support to SSA regarding extension of window for foster youth to apply for SSI benefits when transitioning out of foster care
Author(s):
Juvenile Law Center
Date:
2/2016
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Foster-Care-SSI-Sign-On-Letter-2-4-16.pdf
Alternative education, English learner/migrant/homeless, Enrollment/re-entry, No Child Left Behind/other funding
Flyer for Forum on Court School
Announcement of Forum entitled "Education Reform's Missed Opportunity: Young People in California's...
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Announcement of Forum entitled "Education Reform's Missed Opportunity: Young People in California's Court Schools
Author(s):
New America Media
Date:
7/2016
Document Type:
Training Materials
Document:
Court-School-Education-Forum-Flyer.pdf
Education Access
Juvenile Court Student Transition Statewide Work Group Report and Recommendations to the Legislature
Assembly Bill 2276 (Bocanegra, 2014) required a statewide work group to study...
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Assembly Bill 2276 (Bocanegra, 2014) required a statewide work group to study successful transition programs and to develop recommendations of how to better support youth transitioning from juvenile court schools back to schools in their communities. This report highlights recommendations that came out of three meetings of the work group, composed of stakeholders from probation, education, advocacy organizations, and the community. Recommendations include: a transition plan for each court school student, designated school personnel to support a successful transition, and guaranteed access for students to credit recovery programs. The group also noted the need for state-level oversight of juvenile court school transition procedures and outcomes.
Author(s):
California Department of Education, Coordinated Student Support Division
Date:
7/2016
Document Type:
Legislative Materials
Document:
AB-2276-Report-July-2016.pdf
Enrollment/re-entry
YLC Fellowship Annoucement
Notice that YLC is seeking applications from third-year law students and judicial...
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Notice that YLC is seeking applications from third-year law students and judicial clerks who are interested in working on juvenile justice and child welfare advocacy issues and in applying for fellowships offered by the Skadden Fellowship Foundation, Equal Justice Works Foundation, or other sponsored fellowships for fellowship to begin in September 2017.
Author(s):
Maria Ramiu
Date:
6/2016
Document Type:
YLC Quotes/Mentions
Document:
Fellowship-for-Juvenile-Justice-Education-Project-Announcement.pdf
Legal Rights/Placement, Right to Counsel
Letter to Attorney General
Letter by Coalition of 177 children's rights, civil rights, faith based and...
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Letter by Coalition of 177 children's rights, civil rights, faith based and immigrant rights' groups urging AB to halt government's practice of pursing immigration proceedings against children who do not have counsel
Author(s):
Bruce Lesley
Date:
4/2016
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Letter-to-AG-Lynch-re-counsel-for-immigrant-youth-4.29.16.pdf
Alternative education, Detention, Discipline/truancy, English learner/migrant/homeless, Enrollment/re-entry
Educators Routinely Ignore a Captive Audience- Schools in Juvenile Justice Get an F
Educators Routinely Ignore a Captive Audience - Schools in Juvenile Hall Get...
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Educators Routinely Ignore a Captive Audience - Schools in Juvenile Hall Get An F. - Article reporting on a study conducted by the Youth Law Center about the failure of juvenile court schools to educate youth.
Author(s):
Anna Challet
Date:
4/2016
Document Type:
YLC Quotes/Mentions
Document:
New-America-Media-Educators-Routinely-Ignore-a-Captive-Audience.pdf
Transitional Medicaid
Former Foster Care Enrolled in Medi-cal
Charts showing numbers of former foster youth enrolled in Medi-cal.
More
Access to care, Babies/young children, Early childhood, Foster care, Foster parents, Health care needs, Mental health needs, Specific services/programs, Specific services/programs
Letter from Jennifer Rodriguez to Commissioner Sanders
Letter from Jennifer Rodriguez to Commissioner Sanders appearing as an appendix to...
More
Access to care, Babies/young children, Early childhood, Foster care, Foster parents, Health care needs, Mental health needs, Specific services/programs, Specific services/programs
Fact Sheet: Within Our Reach: A National Strategy to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities
Key Findings and Recommendations of the report: Within Our Reach: A National...
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Key Findings and Recommendations of the report: Within Our Reach: A National Strategy to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities
Author(s):
Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities
Date:
3/2016
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
CECANF-Report_Fact-Sheet-final-3.17.16.pdf
Access to care, Babies/young children, Early childhood, Foster care, Foster parents, Health care needs, Specific services/programs
Within Our Reach: A National Strategy to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities
Final report by the Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities.
More
Access to care, Babies/young children, Early childhood, Foster care, Foster parents, Health care needs, Specific services/programs
Within Our Reach: A National Strategy to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities
Final report by the Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities.
More
Discipline/truancy, English learner/migrant/homeless, Enrollment/re-entry, Gang profiling, Law enforcement in school, No Child Left Behind/other funding, Special education
Press Release – Educational Injustice
Press Release on the report "Educational Injustice: Barriers to Achievement and Higher...
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Press Release on the report "Educational Injustice: Barriers to Achievement and Higher Education for Youth in California's Juvenile Court Schools.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
3/2016
Document Type:
YLC Financial Reports
Document:
Press-Release-Educational-Injustice.pdf
Discipline/truancy, English learner/migrant/homeless, Enrollment/re-entry, Gang profiling, Law enforcement in school, No Child Left Behind/other funding, Special education
Educational Injustice: Barriers to Achievement and Higher Education for Youth in California Juvenile Court Schools
Report by the Youth Law Center of the of the barriers to...
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Report by the Youth Law Center of the of the barriers to education for youth confined to detention facilities within California’s juvenile justice system. In the report, Youth Law Center examines areas of challenge for the system and fundamental ways in which court schools have missed opportunities to support youth in reaching their goals and having healthy futures. The report also offers recommendations for improvement and discusses innovative, replicable programs that engage youth and enable them to advance their educational outcomes and enroll in higher education. The report was funded by the California Wellness Foundation.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
3/2016
Document Type:
Articles/Monographs
Document:
EDUCATIONAL-INJUSTICE.pdf
Alternative education, Discipline/truancy, English learner/migrant/homeless, Enrollment/re-entry, Gang profiling, Law enforcement in school, No Child Left Behind/other funding, Special education
Executive Summary: Educational Injustice: Barriers to Achievement and Higher Education for Youth in California Juvenile Court Schools
Summary of Report detailing a study of the education system for youth...
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Summary of Report detailing a study of the education system for youth confined to detention facilities within California’s juvenile justice system. In the report, entitled Educational Injustice: Barriers to Achievement and Higher Education for Youth in California Juvenile Court Schools, Youth Law Center examines areas of challenge for the system and fundamental ways in which court schools have missed opportunities to support youth in reaching their goals and having healthy futures. The report also offers recommendations for improvement and discusses innovative, replicable programs that engage youth and enable them to advance their educational outcomes and enroll in higher education. The report was funded by the California Wellness Foundation.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
3/2016
Document Type:
Articles/Monographs
Document:
Educational-Injustice-Executive-Summary.pdf
Teen parenting
Just Beginning Issue Sheet
Sheet describing the need for the Just Beginning Program; the benefits the...
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Sheet describing the need for the Just Beginning Program; the benefits the program provides both the infant/child and the incarcerated father.
Author(s):
Ben Richeda
Date:
2/2014
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
Issue-Sheet-JB-10.pdf
Teen parenting
Delivering Services to Incarcerated Teen Fathers: A Pilot Intervention to Increase the Quality of Father-Infant Interactions During Visitation
Article appearing in Psychological Services concerning analysis of a pilot intervention, the...
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Article appearing in Psychological Services concerning analysis of a pilot intervention, the Baby Elmo or Just Beginnings Program, which provides incarcerated teen fathers with parenting training and visitation with their children and their infants. The study looked at 41 incarcerated teen fathers and their infants ranging from 1 to 15 months. During individual sessions, a trained facilitator prepared fathers for visits with their children by introducing key concepts such as following the child's lead, using developmentally appropriate media to illustrate those concepts. After each training session, the incarcerated teen father interacted with his infant sand the visit was video recorded. Preliminary findings suggest that an intervention integrating visitation and appropriate media may be effective for incarcerated teen fathers.
Author(s):
Barr, Morin, Brito, Richeda, Rodriguez & Shauffer
Date:
11/2013
Document Type:
Articles/Monographs
Document:
Delivering-Services-to-Incarcerated-Fathers-A-Pilot-Intervention-to-Incraese-the-Quality-of-Father-Infant-Interactions-During-Visitation.pdf
Legal/policy issues
Press Release
Press release: Robin Goldfaden and Javier Stauring Join YLC
More
Press release: Robin Goldfaden and Javier Stauring Join YLC
Author(s):
Jennifer Rodriguez
Date:
3/2016
Document Type:
YLC Quotes/Mentions
Document:
Press-Release.pdf
Education Access
Educational Injustice: Barriers to Achievement and Higher Education for Youth in California Juvenile Court Schools
Report by the Youth Law Center of the of the barriers to...
More
Report by the Youth Law Center of the of the barriers to education for youth confined to detention facilities within California’s juvenile justice system. In the report, Youth Law Center examines areas of challenge for the system and fundamental ways in which court schools have missed opportunities to support youth in reaching their goals and having healthy futures. The report also offers recommendations for improvement and discusses innovative, replicable programs that engage youth and enable them to advance their educational outcomes and enroll in higher education. The report was funded by the California Wellness Foundation.
Author(s):
Date:
3/2016
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
EDUCATIONAL-INJUSTICE.pdf
Legal Rights/Placement
In re Y.V. Opinion
Opinion from CA Court of Appeals in Y.V. . In the...
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Opinion from CA Court of Appeals in Y.V. . In the opinion, the appeals court reversed a juvenile court disposition that required the youth to be held in juvenile hall and turned over to ICE. It remanded the case to juvenile court to determine whether the case is moot, and if not, to select a disposition that serves the purposes of juvenile court law. The Attorney General's office agreed that the juvenile court misunderstood the scope of its discretion and did not object to the remand.
Author(s):
Court of Appeals
Date:
1/2016
Document Type:
Litigation Materials
Document:
YV-decision.pdf
Congregate care
State Policies on Non-Family Foster Care Settings
This paper surveys state policies that restrict congregate care for children and...
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This paper surveys state policies that restrict congregate care for children and youth in the foster care system and makes recommendations based on our research and experience.
Author(s):
Alice Bussiere
Date:
10/2015
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
State-Policies-on-Non-Family-Foster-Care-Settings-July-2015.pdf
AB 12
Job Annoucement
YLC Announcement for a Staff Attorney with with a minimum of seven...
More
YLC Announcement for a Staff Attorney with with a minimum of seven years of experience in the juvenile justice and/or child welfare system.
Author(s):
Maria Ramiu
Date:
10/2015
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
YLC-Staff-Attorney-Position-2015.pdf
Congregate care
Request for Signature – AB 403
Letter to Governor Brown requesting signature on AB 403 (congregate care reform...
More
Letter to Governor Brown requesting signature on AB 403 (congregate care reform bill).
Author(s):
Jennifer Rodriguez
Date:
9/2015
Document Type:
Legislative Materials
Document:
AB-403-Request-for-Signature.pdf
Juvenile justice legal issues
Shackling Juvenile in Transportation: Hobbling Fairness
Blog written by YLC Staff Attorney Sue Burrell regarding practice of shackling...
More
Legal Rights/Placement
Judge Increases Pressure on U.S. to Release Migrant Famiiles
NY Times article about enforcement of 1997 settlement in Flores v. Lynch,...
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NY Times article about enforcement of 1997 settlement in Flores v. Lynch, a case concerning the treatment unaccompanied children.The 1997 Flores Settlement Agreement establishes requirements for the release of minors who have been detained by immigration officials and specifies the types of facilities in which minors who have not been released can be held.
Author(s):
Julia Preston
Date:
8/2015
Document Type:
YLC Quotes/Mentions
Document:
NYT-8.22.15.Judge-Increases-Pressure-on-U.S-to-Release-Migrant-Families.pdf
Legal Rights/Placement
Order re Response to Order to Show Cause
Final Order enforcing the 1997 Flores Settlement Agreement in Flores v. Lynch,...
More
Final Order enforcing the 1997 Flores Settlement Agreement in Flores v. Lynch, which established requirements for the release of minors who have been detained by immigration officials and specifies the types of facilities in which minors who have not been released can be held. I
Author(s):
District Court Judge Dolly Gee
Date:
8/2015
Document Type:
Litigation Materials
Document:
Flores-August-21-Order.pdf
"Know your rights"
A Judge’s Rebuke of Immigration Detention
NY Times editorial rebukes immigration detention of familie
More
Legal Rights/Placement
Minute Order in Flores v. Johnson
In Chambers Order by Judge Dolly Gee stating that immigrant children who...
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In Chambers Order by Judge Dolly Gee stating that immigrant children who are accompanied by a parent when they are detained by immigration officials are entitled to the protections of the Settlement Agreement in Flores v Johnson. The judge found the Department of Homeland Security and other defendants in violation of the Settlement Agreement and issued an order for the defendants to show cause why she should not issue an enforcement order.
Author(s):
Hon. Dolly Gee
Date:
7/2015
Document Type:
Litigation Materials
Document:
Flores-Minute-Order-re-Motion-to-Enforce-Settlement.pdf
Detention, Disposition/placement
Locked Up and Alone
Article exploring solitary confinement in juvenile facilities against the backdrop of SB...
More
Article exploring solitary confinement in juvenile facilities against the backdrop of SB 124 (Leno), currently pending in the California Legislature.
Author(s):
Kelly Davis
Date:
6/2015
Document Type:
YLC Quotes/Mentions
Document:
Locked-Up-and-Alone-THE-CRIME-REPORT-June-29-2015.pdf
Legal Rights/Placement
In re Christian H. Decision
Decision in the case In re Christian H. .
More
Decision in the case In re Christian H. .
Author(s):
Judge Pollock
Date:
6/2015
Document Type:
Litigation Materials
Document:
Christian-A.-decision.pdf
Collateral consequences
Collateral Consequences of Juvenile Court – Boulders on the Road to Good Outcomes
Article by YLC staff attorney Sue Burrell focuses on the damage...
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Article by YLC staff attorney Sue Burrell focuses on the damage caused by collateral consequences of juvenile court proceedings – the predictable as well as unanticipated impacts on young people’s ability to move forward in their lives and offers nine suggested ways to reduce collateral consequences. The article appears as a chapter in the published in newly released book A New Juvenile Justice System: Total Reform for a Broken System, published by the NYU Press.
Author(s):
Sue Burrell
Date:
5/2015
Document Type:
Articles/Monographs
Document:
Collateral-Consequences-of-Juvenile-Court-boulders-on-the-Road-to-Good-Outcomes.pdf
Foster care
CECANF Works Toward Development of a National Strategy
Article on the work of the Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and...
More
Competence to stand trial
CA Supreme Court Opinion in R.V.
CA Supreme Court Decision in in re R.V. - decision reversed a...
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CA Supreme Court Decision in in re R.V. - decision reversed a lower court decision which had found a 16 year-old Orange County boy competent to stand trial. The case raised two issues of first impression, including the question of who has the burden of proof in showing incompetence, and also, what the standard of appellate review is in juvenile competence cases.
Author(s):
CA Supreme Court
Date:
5/2015
Document Type:
Litigation Materials
Document:
RV-Cal.-Supreme-Court-Opinion.pdf
Foster care, Foster parents, Permanency planning
Presidential Proclamation — National Foster Care Month, 2015
Proclamation by President Obama naming May 2015 National Foster Care Month
More
Detention, Juvenile justice legal issues, Standards/enforcement
Letter to Santa Clara Board of Supervisors
Letter from YLC to Santa Clara Board of Supervisors opposing use of...
More
Congregate care, Inspection/assessment material, Standards/enforcement
Investigations of CA Group Homes Marked By Delays and Uncertainty
ProPublica article about California Department of Social Services' failure to timely and...
More
AB 12, AB 12, Dual jurisdiction
Bill to Extend Foster Care Benefits for Probation Youth Clears California Senate Committee
Article appearing in Chronicle of Social Change on SB 12, bill to...
More
Article appearing in Chronicle of Social Change on SB 12, bill to grant extended foster care benefits to probation supervised youth.
Author(s):
Sawsan Morrar
Date:
4/2015
Document Type:
YLC Quotes/Mentions
Document:
The-Chronicle-of-Social-Change-4.15.pdf
AB 12, Dual jurisdiction
Angel Enters Foster Care through Probation’s Door
Article in Chronicle of Social Change about pending legislation, SB 12, to...
More
AB 12, Dual jurisdiction
Widening Door on Extended Foster Care for Probation Youth
Articlein Chronicle of Social Change on how SB 12 will make it...
More
AB 12
SB 12 Support Letter
Letter to Senate Judiciary Committee in support of SB 12, a bill...
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Letter to Senate Judiciary Committee in support of SB 12, a bill to provide a support net to vulnerable former foster youth under the age of 21, who were excluded in prior legislative efforts to extend foster care to youth who require the assistance and protections of the child welfare system in a healthy transition to adulthood. SB 12 will ensure that foster youth who cross over to the juvenile justice system, who research shows have the most challenging experiences of all young adults who have exited foster care, retain access to the education, case management and housing resources through AB 12 that provide a critical support net for former foster youth.
Author(s):
Cat McCulloch, Jennifer Rodriguez
Date:
4/2015
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
SB-12-Support-letter-to-Senator-Jackson-4.8.15.pdf
Legal Rights/Placement
Amicus Curiae Brief – In re Y.V.
The Youth Law Center has applied for leave to file an amicus...
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The Youth Law Center has applied for leave to file an amicus brief in a second juvenile case pending in the California Court of Appeal in which the juvenile court ordered the youth turned over to federal immigration officials. The youth fled Honduras in 2013 to escape gang violence and the threat of gang indoctrination. He was arrested in 2014 and immediately admitted to possession of a controlled substance. Although his attorney asked that he be placed in a foster care or juvenile facility, the juvenile court ordered him detained and transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The amicus brief argues that the juvenile court’s disposition was not authorized by state law, that the court misunderstood the requirements of federal immigration law, and that the court failed to consider the youth’s best interest.
Author(s):
Keith Wuster
Date:
3/2015
Document Type:
Litigation Materials
Document:
AmicusBrief-RE-YV-pdf.pdf
"Know your rights", Transitional Medicaid
Medi-cal Coverage Until 26: Health Care for Former Foster Youth
Fact Sheet on Medi-Cal Coverage for former foster youth, including who qualifies,...
More
"Know your rights", A.B. 490/foster care education, Foster care, Teen parenting
Educational Rights as a Pregnant or Parenting Teen
Fact sheet on educational rights of pregnant or parenting teens.
More
"Know your rights", A.B. 490/foster care education
Educational Rights of Foster Youth
Fact Sheet on educational rights of foster youth
More
Alternative education
Demand Letter to Ventura County Office of Education
This is a demand letter to the Ventura County Office of Education...
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This is a demand letter to the Ventura County Office of Education challenging its failure to comply with the provisions of the California Education Code concerning Independent Study. Their practices resulted in juvenile justice youth being involuntarily placed on Independent Study when they attempted to enroll in the county community school.
Author(s):
Franchesca Gonzalez, Deborah Escobedo
Date:
7/2014
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Demand-Letter-to-VCOE-07-14-14.pdf
Enrollment/re-entry
Implementation Fact Sheet – AB 2276
This is a fact sheet explaining how advocates can ensure that AB...
More
This is a fact sheet explaining how advocates can ensure that AB 2276 is actually implemented. This bill addresses the re-enrollment rights of juvenile justice youth when they transfer from a juvenile court school back into a regular school district.
Author(s):
Deborah Escobedo
Date:
1/2015
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
AB-2276-Fact-Sheet-Implementation.pdf
Discipline/truancy
School to Nowhere – Web Resources
This provides a list of websites related to discipline, zero tolerance and...
More
This provides a list of websites related to discipline, zero tolerance and other related issues.
Author(s):
Deborah Escobedo
Date:
11/2012
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
School-to-Nowhere-Web-Resources.pdf
Alternative education
Final Template for School Board Hearing Request- COE – SB 1111
This is a template for a letter that advocates and community...
More
This is a template for a letter that advocates and community stakeholders can send to county boards of education asking for a hearing on the implementation of SB 1111 and inquiring about the need to update policies to comply with the new law.
Author(s):
Deborah Escobedo
Date:
1/2015
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Final-Template-for-School-Board-Hearing-Request-SB-1111___COE.pdf
Alternative education
Final Template for School Board Hearing Request – SB 1111
This is template for a letter that advocates and community stakeholders can...
More
This is template for a letter that advocates and community stakeholders can send to local school district boards asking for a hearing on the implementation of SB 1111 and inquiring about the need to update policies to comply with the new law.
Author(s):
Deborah Escobedo
Date:
1/2015
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Final-Template-for-School-Board-Hearing-Request-SB-1111.pdf
Alternative education
Sample Public Records Request – SB 1111
This is a sample Public Records Act request that advocates can send...
More
This is a sample Public Records Act request that advocates can send to County Offices of Education to determine to what extent they are implementing the provisions of SB 1111 which governs transfers to county community schools.
Author(s):
Deborah Escobedo
Date:
1/2015
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Sample-Public-Records-Request-SB-1111.pdf
A.B. 490/foster care education
Education Web Resources
This handout lists various links to resources on the internet related to...
More
This handout lists various links to resources on the internet related to the educational rights of foster youth in California.
Author(s):
Deborah Escobedo
Date:
1/2015
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
Education-Web-Resources.pdf
Enrollment/re-entry
The Need for Transition Services for California’s Juvenile Justice Youth (Fact Sheet)
This fact sheet provides data and research references concerning the need for...
More
Enrollment/re-entry
“Reenrollment of Juvenile Justice Fact Sheet”
This fact sheet provides relevant data concerning the re-enrollment of juvenile justice...
More
This fact sheet provides relevant data concerning the re-enrollment of juvenile justice into regular schools once they have been released from detention.
Author(s):
Deborah Escobedo
Date:
1/2012
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
Reenrollment-of-Juvenile-Justice-Youth.pdf
Discipline/truancy
“Breaking Developments in CA School Discipline & Juvenile Justice”
This power point was presented at the LAAC Traveling Training on November...
More
This power point was presented at the LAAC Traveling Training on November 2, 2012 in Ontario, California. The panel was described as follows: "This presentation will summarize new developments in discipline laws that have come under fire in California because of their demonstrated disparate impact on students of color, and other discipline related initiatives that advocates are involved in to try to reduce the over reliance on exclusionary school practices. Additionally the presenters will look at the intersection of discipline with School Attendance Review Boards and truancy related juvenile proceedings."
Author(s):
Deborah Escobedo, Cynthia Rice
Date:
11/2012
Document Type:
Training Materials
Document:
Breaking-Developments-in-CA-School-Discipline-Juvenile-Justice.pdf
Discipline/truancy
Letter “Sign AB 420 to Support Civil Rights” (August 15, 2013)
This is a letter submitted to Governor Brown urging him to sign...
More
This is a letter submitted to Governor Brown urging him to sign AB 420, a bill that would reduce the use of EC Section 48900(k) (willful defiance) as a grounds for suspension and expulsion in California schools. The letter was signed by YLC’s Director, Jennifer Rodriguez, and 21 other Civil Rights and legal directors, including Jesse Jackson, Cruz Reynoso and Dolores Huerta.
Author(s):
Jennifer Rodriguez, Jesse Jackson, Cruz Reynoso, Delores Huerta
Date:
8/2013
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
AB-420-Civil-Rights-Letter-to-Gov-Brown-FINAL1.pdf
Discipline/truancy
What Sacramento is Saying About School Discipline
This power point was presented to school district personnel attending the California...
More
This power point was presented to school district personnel attending the California Endowment's "Central Valley Educational Leadership Institute" on October 10, 2012 in Fresno California. The power point provides a summary of the new discipline reform bills that were signed into law during the 2011-2012 legislative session.
Author(s):
Deborah Escobedo
Date:
10/2012
Document Type:
Training Materials
Document:
What-Sacramento-is-Saying-About-School-Discipline-Read-Only.pdf
Discipline/truancy
Exclusion and Push-Out Power Point
This is a power point that addresses issues related to the disproportionate...
More
This is a power point that addresses issues related to the disproportionate impact of discipline policies, involuntary placements in alternative schools, and the impact policies governing truancy and SARB referrals. The power point was prepared for the LAAC traveling training held on November 9, 2011 in Fresno.
Author(s):
Deborah Escobedo, Cynthia Rice
Date:
11/2011
Document Type:
Training Materials
Document:
Exclusion-and-Push-Out-Power-Point-Read-Only.pdf
Discipline/truancy
School to Nowhere – Web Resources
This provides a list of websites related to school discipline, zero tolerance...
More
This provides a list of websites related to school discipline, zero tolerance and other related issues.
Author(s):
Deborah Escobedo
Date:
11/2012
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
School-to-Nowhere-Web-Resources.pdf
Transitional Medicaid
Advocates letter to CDHSC re former foster youth and IAP 24 Month Roadmap
Letter from children's advocacy coalition to CDHCS regarding problems enrolling former foster...
More
Letter from children's advocacy coalition to CDHCS regarding problems enrolling former foster youth in Medi-Cal through the single Streamlined Application on-line portal and urging programming changes that prioritize foster youth immediately.
Author(s):
Jessica Haspel, Alice Bussiere
Date:
2/2015
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Advocates-letter-re-Former-Foster-Youth-CalHEERs-and-IAP-roadmap.pdf
Legal Rights/Placement, Standards/enforcement
Public Comments from Youth Advocates on DHHS ORR PREA Commnets
Public Comments from Youth Advocates on Department of Health and Human Services'...
More
Public Comments from Youth Advocates on Department of Health and Human Services' Interim Final Rule to Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment Involving Unaccompanied Children.
Author(s):
Dana Schoenberg, Alice Bussiere
Date:
2/2015
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
DHHS-ORR-PREA-Comments-Youth-Organizations-Final-Letter-with-Sign-Ons.pdf
Mental health needs, Specific services/programs, Standards/enforcement
Senate panel examines why California foster system addicted to psychiatric drugs
Article about February 24, 2015 hearing before the Human Services Committee about...
More
Detention, Disposition/placement, Standards/enforcement
San Diego City Beat “Legislation seeks to end isolation in juvenile facilities”
Article in San Diego City Beat on SB 124 (Leno), a in...
More
Congregate care, Foster care
I want to be there when he graduates: Foster parents show higher levels of commitment than group care providers
YLC co-authored this study which showed greater commitment of foster parents to...
More
YLC co-authored this study which showed greater commitment of foster parents to children than group home providers. Study published in Children and Youth Services Review 51, 2015 95-100.
Link:
http://authors.elsevier.com/a/1QZi5hNfKUvIX
Legal Rights/Placement
Brief of Amici Curiae Youth Law Center and Public Counsel Law Center
Amicus Brief of Youth Law Center and Public Counsel in the Matter...
More
Amicus Brief of Youth Law Center and Public Counsel in the Matter of Christian H., a case pending in the California Court of Appeal, in which a youth’s immigration status prevailed over consideration of his rehabilitation and best interest. The youth was adjudicated delinquent after admitting to possession of a controlled substance. The probation department recommended releasing him to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and argued that an out of home placement order would violate federal law. The court placed him on probation but ordered him to serve time served in juvenile hall plus two days to facilitate his transfer to ICE. The amicus brief argues that the court and the probation department relied on a flawed interpretation of federal law, that the juvenile court disposition violated state laws and a San Francisco ordinance, and that the youth was treated differently because of him immigration status. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP. is representing YLC and Public Counsel in the matter.
Author(s):
Nitin Jindal
Date:
2/2015
Document Type:
Litigation Materials
Document:
Amicus-Brief-in-the-Matter-of-Christian-H..pdf
Congregate care, Detention, Inspection/assessment material, Legal/policy issues, Standards/enforcement
AB 388: What Group Home Staff Need to Know
Fact Sheet on AB 388: What Group Home Staff Need to...
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Fact Sheet on AB 388: What Group Home Staff Need to Know. AB 388, which takes effect January 1, 2015, is a new law specifically intended to reduce the frequency of law enforcement involvement and delinquency petitions arising from incidents at group homes.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center, ChildrenNow, East Bay Children's Law Office, Public Counsel
Date:
1/2015
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
AB-388-What-Group-Home-Staff-Need-to-Know.pdf
Congregate care, Detention, Inspection/assessment material, Legal/policy issues, Standards/enforcement
AB 388: What Youth Advocates Need to Know
Fact Sheet on AB 388: What Youth Advocates Need to Know....
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Fact Sheet on AB 388: What Youth Advocates Need to Know. AB 388, a new law which takes effect January 1, 2015, is specifically intended to reduce the frequency of law enforcement involvement and delinquency petitions arising from incidents at group homes.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center, ChildrenNow, East Bay Children's Law Office, Public Counsel
Date:
1/2015
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
AB-388-What-Youth-Advocates-Need-to-Know.pdf
Congregate care, Detention, Inspection/assessment material, Legal/policy issues, Standards/enforcement
AB 388: New Protections for Youth In Group Homes
Fact Sheet on AB 388, a new law taking effect January 1,...
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Fact Sheet on AB 388, a new law taking effect January 1, 2015, designed to prevent unnecessary law enforcement involvement in group homes. What Youth Need to know about the new law.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center, ChildrenNow, East Bay Children's Law Office, Public Counsel
Date:
1/2015
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
AB-388-New-Protections-for-Youth-in-Group-Homes.pdf
Congregate care, Detention, Inspection/assessment material, Legal/policy issues, Standards/enforcement
AB 388: What Social Workers Need to Know
Fact sheet for social workers on AB 388: a new law taking...
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Fact sheet for social workers on AB 388: a new law taking effect January 1, 2015, designed to prevent unnecessary policy involvement in group homes and reduce the use of locked detention before trial for foster youth.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center, ChildrenNow, East Bay Children's Law Office, Public Counsel
Date:
1/2014
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
AB-388-What-Social-Workers-Need-to-Know.pdf
Legal Rights/Placement
Motion to Enforce Settlement
Motion to Enforce Settlement and Memorandum in Support of Motion to Enforce...
More
Legal Rights/Placement
Press Release
Press Release on Motion to Enforce Settlement Agreement in Flores v. Johnson
More
Press Release on Motion to Enforce Settlement Agreement in Flores v. Johnson
Author(s):
Carlos Holguin
Date:
2/2015
Document Type:
YLC Quotes/Mentions
Document:
FloresPressRelease020215.pdf
Transitional Medicaid
DHCS Flyer re Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth
Flyer from DHCS on Medi-Cal for former foster youth ---who qualifies...
More
Flyer from DHCS on Medi-Cal for former foster youth ---who qualifies and how to sign up,
Author(s):
DHCS
Date:
1/2015
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
FFY-Flyer-1-26-15.pdf
Transitional Medicaid
ACWDL 14-41 – Enrollment in the Former Foster Care Children’s (FFCC) Program for Mandatory Coverage Group and Optional Coverage Group County Process for Medi-Cal Applicants
The purpose of this All County Welfare Directors Letter (AWCDL) is to...
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The purpose of this All County Welfare Directors Letter (AWCDL) is to provide County Department of Social Services (Counties) with guidance on the handling of the former foster care youth in the Mandatory Coverage Group and Optional Coverage Group.
Author(s):
State of Calfornia -Dept. of Health Care Services
Date:
12/2014
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
ACWDL-14-41-enrollment-in-former-foster-care-childrens-program-for-mandatory-coverage.pdf
Alternatives to incarceration/JDAI, Collateral consequences, Detention, Disposition/placement, Juvenile justice legal issues, Legal/policy analyses, Realignment of resources
Sticker Shock: Calculating the Full Price Tag for Youth Incarceration
Report by the Justice Policy Institute outlining the costs of juvenile incarceration.
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Report by the Justice Policy Institute outlining the costs of juvenile incarceration.
Author(s):
Justice Policy Institute
Date:
12/2014
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
sticker_shock_final_v2.pdf
Alternatives to incarceration/JDAI, Collateral consequences, Detention, Disposition/placement, Juvenile justice legal issues, Legal/policy analyses, Realignment of resources
Juvenile Justice Can Be Less Expensive and More Effective
Op-ed by YLC Staff Attorney Sue Burrell on the cost of juvenile...
More
"Know your rights", AB 12, AB 12, Access to care/EPSDT, Alternatives to incarceration/JDAI, Congregate care, Foster care, Independent Living/Transition, Inmate Exclusion, Kinship/guardianship, Legal Rights/Placement, Mental Health Services Act, Permanency planning, Placement delay, Relatives/kinship care, Specific Services, SSI/Social Security, Title IV-E funding, Transitional Medicaid
Legal Rights of Teens in Out of Home Care (2014)
This booklet, based on California law, covers some of the concerns of...
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This booklet, based on California law, covers some of the concerns of a youth in out-of-home care, including types of placements, guardianship, independent living, role of the courts, visitation, confidentiality, pregnancy, money, religion, driving, emancipation and rights and responsibilities of youth in out-of-home care, group or foster homes
Author(s):
YLC
Date:
9/2014
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
legal-rights-of-teens-2014.pdf
Alternative education, Discipline/truancy
California takes on harsh discipline and academic inequities for black, latino students
Article by Center for Public Integrity on school discipline and push out...
More
Congregate care, Dual jurisdiction, Foster care
Letter from YLC sponsoring AB 388
Letter to Assembly Member Wesley Chesbro co-sponsoring SB 388
More
Letter to Assembly Member Wesley Chesbro co-sponsoring SB 388
Author(s):
Maria Ramiu
Date:
3/2014
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
AB-388-sponsor-letter.pdf
Congregate care, Dual jurisdiction, Foster care
AB 388 Chaptered Text
Text of AB 388, bill requiring oversight on the use of law...
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Text of AB 388, bill requiring oversight on the use of law enforcement in group homes, limiting the unnecessary secure detention of foster youth and providing the same protections for foster youth that non-foster youth living at home with parents routinely receive when the come into contact with the delinquency system.
Author(s):
Chesbro
Date:
10/2014
Document Type:
Legislative Materials
Document:
AB388-Chaptered.pdf
Adolescence, Disposition/placement, LGBTQ, Trying juveniles as adults
Prison for Teen Who Lit “Agender” Youth’s Skirt on Fire Thwarts Healing
Blog, by Youth Law Center Staff Attorney Sue Burrell, for the Huffington...
More
Enrollment/re-entry
Chaptered Text AB 2276
Text of AB 2276
More
Enrollment/re-entry
YLC Letter in Support of AB 2276
Letter in Support of AB 2276, a bill addressing the re-enrollment rights...
More
Letter in Support of AB 2276, a bill addressing the re-enrollment rights of juvenile justice youth.
Author(s):
Deborah Escobedo
Date:
8/2014
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
YLC-Support-Letter-to-Governor-AB-2276.pdf
Alternative education, Enrollment/re-entry
SB 1111 Chaptered Text
The text of SB 1111 addressing transfer rights of students referred to...
More
The text of SB 1111 addressing transfer rights of students referred to county community schools.
Author(s):
State Senator Ricardo Lara
Date:
8/2014
Document Type:
Legislative Materials
Document:
sb_1111_bill_20140929_chaptered1.pdf
Alternative education, Enrollment/re-entry
YLC Letter in Support of SB 1111
Letter by YLC Staff Attorney Deborah Escobedo requesting the Governor's signature on...
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Letter by YLC Staff Attorney Deborah Escobedo requesting the Governor's signature on SB 1111. This bill addresses the transfer rights of students referred to county community schools, makes the statute consistent with state and federal laws governing the educational placement rights of foster care and homeless youth, and closes an existing loophole in the discipline code which allows students who have won their expulsion hearing to be denied their right to return to a comprehensive school.
Author(s):
Deborah Escobedo
Date:
8/2014
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
YLC-Letter-of-Support-SB-1111-Governor-Brown.pdf
Alternatives to incarceration/JDAI, Detention, LGBTQ
Op-Ed: Incarcerating Disturbed Youth Is a Flawed Response
YLC staff attorney Sue Burrell, wrote an op ed piece for the...
More
YLC staff attorney Sue Burrell, wrote an op ed piece for the CT Mirror, Incarcerating Disturbed Youth is a Flawed Response (LINK to uploaded article), published September 22, 2014. The piece follows Connecticut's decisions to lock a transgender teenager, first in an adult women's facility in Connecticut, and then in a boys' institution. The piece discusses the important of preventing cross-over into the juvenile justice system of youth whose problems, like Jane Doe's, stem from chronic abuse and mental health issues. It points to the negative impact of incarceration on these youth, urges the importance of developing individualized non-institutional services to meet their needs, and offers several resources to assist in that goal
Author(s):
Sue Burrell
Date:
9/2014
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Incarcerating-Disturbed-Youth-is-a-Flawed-Response-CT-Mirror-9-22-14.pdf
Juvenile records/court proceedings
Press Release
Press Release Regarding Opposition to Closure of Santa Barbara Juvenile Court.
More
Press Release Regarding Opposition to Closure of Santa Barbara Juvenile Court.
Author(s):
Virginia Corrigan
Date:
9/2014
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
PRESS-RELEASE-Final.pdf
Juvenile records/court proceedings
Letter in Opposition to Proposed Closure of Santa Barbara Juvenile Court
Letter to Court Executive Officer Darrell Parker of Santa Barbara, detailing the...
More
Letter to Court Executive Officer Darrell Parker of Santa Barbara, detailing the problems associated with the proposed closing of the Santa Barbara Juvenile Court.
Author(s):
Virginia Corrigan
Date:
9/2014
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Letter-Opposing-Santa-Barbara-Juvenile-Court-Closure.pdf
Detention
SF Gate (AP).Groups Seeks Probe Into Pepper Spray Use
AP article appearing in SFGate.com on Complaint filed with DOJ over use...
More
Detention
SD Tribune article – Pepper Spray, Searches Draw Complaint
Article in San Diego Union Tribune on Complaint filed with DOJ over...
More
Detention
San Diego City Beat – Civil Rights Groups Blast San Diego County Over Pepper Spray in Juvenile Halls
article in Sn Diego City Beat on DOJ complaint filed over pepper...
More
Detention
San Diego Union Tribune (AP) – Groups Seek Probe Into Pepper Spray Use
Article appearing in the San Diego Union Tribune on complaint filed with...
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Article appearing in the San Diego Union Tribune on complaint filed with DOJ by Youth Law Center and other groups on use of pepper spray on youth in San Diego juvenile detention facilities
Author(s):
Julie Watson
Date:
7/2014
Document Type:
YLC Quotes/Mentions
Document:
San-Diego-Union-Tribune-Groups-Seek-Probe-Into-Pepper-Spray-Use.pdf
Detention
San Diego City Beat “Civil Rights Groups Blast San Diego County over Pepper Spray in Juvenile Halls
Article by Dave Maass and Kelly Davis on DOJ Complaint filed by...
More
Detention
Press Release
Press Release on DOJ Complaint Over Pepper Spray in San Diego Juvenile...
More
Detention, Juvenile justice legal issues
DOJ Complaint
Complaint to the Department of Justice over Pepper Spray and Mistreatment of...
More
Complaint to the Department of Justice over Pepper Spray and Mistreatment of Youth in San Diego Juvenile Halls.
Author(s):
Sue Burrell, Virginia Corrigan, Deborah Escobedo, Maria Ramiu
Date:
7/2014
Document Type:
Litigation Materials
Document:
DOJ-Complaint.pdf
Discipline/truancy
SB 1296
SB 1296 was signed into law on June 27, 2014 by Governor...
More
SB 1296 was signed into law on June 27, 2014 by Governor Jerry Brown. The bill bans incarceration as a contempt sanction for youth adjudicated as truants. It was co-sponsored by Youth Law Center
Author(s):
Mark Leno
Date:
6/2014
Document Type:
Legislative Materials
Document:
sb_1296_bill_20140628_chaptered.pdf
Teen parenting
My Brother’s Keeper Task Force Report to the President May 2014
First Progress Report to the President by the My Brother's Keeper Task...
More
First Progress Report to the President by the My Brother's Keeper Task Force Initiative on fatherhood. Report reference work of YLC's Baby Elmo Program.
Author(s):
My Brother's Keeper Task Force
Date:
5/2014
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
MBK-Report-to-the-President-May-2014.pdf
Juvenile justice legal issues, Trying juveniles as adults
Lawmaker Modifies Sex-Assault Bill Targeting Teens
Article in SF Gate regarding modification of SB 838 by removing two...
More
Legal/policy analyses, Trying juveniles as adults
Letter to Senate Appropriations Committee
Letter to Senate Appropriations Committee re: costs of SB 838
More
Legal/policy analyses, Trying juveniles as adults
Letter to Senate Public Safety Committee – SB 838 – Oppose
Letter to Senate Public Safety Committee opposing SB 828, a bill that...
More
Legal/policy analyses, Trying juveniles as adults
Letter to Assembly Public Safety Committee – SB 838 – Oppose
Letter to Assembly Public Safety Committee Opposing SB 838 - a bill...
More
Letter to Assembly Public Safety Committee Opposing SB 838 - a bill that would create of new crime for "sexting" and impose mandatory minimum sentences.
Author(s):
Sue Burrell
Date:
5/2014
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
SB-838-Letter-to-Assembly-Public-Safety-Oppose.pdf
Legal/policy analyses, Trying juveniles as adults
SJ Mercury News Article on SB 838
Article discusses controversial bill SB 838 "Audrie's Law" which would create a...
More
Article discusses controversial bill SB 838 "Audrie's Law" which would create a new crime for "sexting", reduce confidentiality in juvenile court hearings, and expand the number of juveniles tried in the adult criminal system. The article quotes YLC Staff Attorney Sue Burrell,
Author(s):
Jessica Calefati
Date:
6/2014
Document Type:
YLC Quotes/Mentions
Document:
San-Jose-Mercury-News-juvenile-rape-legislation-6.22.14.pdf
Congregate care
Consensus statement on group care for children and adolescents: A statement of policy of the American Orthopsychiatric Association
Abstract
More
LWOP/extremely long sentences
Amicus Curiae Brief of PJDC and YLC
Amicus Curiae Brief of PJDC and YLC in People v. Gutierrez
More
LWOP/extremely long sentences
People v. Gutierrez – CA Supreme Court opinion
Decision of California Supreme Court in People v. Gutierrez
More
Transitional Medicaid
Children Now Flyer re: Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth (San Bernardino County)
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth in San Bernardino County (do...
More
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth in San Bernardino County (do I quality, how to sign up, what is covered)
Author(s):
Children Now
Date:
4/2014
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Coveredtil26_YouthFlyer-SanBernardino.pdf
Transitional Medicaid
Children Now Flyer re Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth In Imperial County
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth in Imperial County (what is...
More
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth in Imperial County (what is covered; how to sign up)
Author(s):
Children Now
Date:
4/2014
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Coveredtil26_YouthFlyer-Imperial.pdf
Health care needs
Psychotropic sign -on letter
Letter to Senators Reid and McConnell, signed by 100 advocacy organizations, urging...
More
Letter to Senators Reid and McConnell, signed by 100 advocacy organizations, urging support of new initiative designed to encourage states and tribes to reduce the inappropriate use and over-prescription of psychotropic medications to children and youth in foster care and instead provide evidence-based psychosocial interventions.
Author(s):
First Focus, numerous
Date:
4/2014
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Psychotropic-Sign-On-Letter-4-15.pdf
Division of Juvenile Facilities, Realignment of resources
The Legislature’s Role in Juvenile Justice Reform: a California Example
PDF of blog by Sue Burrell written for the National Council on...
More
Division of Juvenile Facilities, Realignment of resources
The Legislature’s Role in Juvenile Justice Reform: A California Example
Blog by Sue Burrell appearing on the website of National Council of...
More
Transitional Medicaid
Fact Sheet: Medi-Cal Eligibility for Former Foster Youth Under the Affordable Care Act
Fact sheet on who is eligible for Medi-Cal eligibility under the Affordable...
More
Fact sheet on who is eligible for Medi-Cal eligibility under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA recognizes that young adults may have difficulty obtaining affordable, comprehensive health care coverage on their own. As a result, the ACA permits young adults to remain on their parents’ health insurance until the age of 26. For youth who emancipate from foster care and do not have access to health insurance through their parents, the ACA provides continued coverage through Medicaid. The Medicaid program in California is known as Medi-Cal.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center, National Health Law Program
Date:
4/2014
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
Medi-Cal-Fact-Sheet-040414.pdf
Transitional Medicaid
Legal Referral List – Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth: Health Advocates
Referral list of programs that provide legal assistance for people having trouble...
More
Referral list of programs that provide legal assistance for people having trouble getting Medi-Cal or other health care services.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center, The Health Care Alliance, National Health Law Program
Date:
4/2014
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
MCFFY-County-Legal-Referral-formatted-040314.pdf
Teen parenting
KPCC Interview with Ben Richeda on Baby Elmo Program – article
This is an interview with Ben Richeda broadcast on KPCC, 89.3 on...
More
Teen parenting
KPCC Bably Elmo Interview
This is a short interview on Radio Station KPCC 89.3 in Los...
More
Legal/policy analyses
Experts Concerned That LA County Youth Not Always Well Served by the Juvenile Justice system
News article on the appointed counsel system for delinquency cases in...
More
Transitional Medicaid
Webinar on Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth (video)
Webinar on Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth (video)
More
Transitional Medicaid
Webinar on Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth (powerpoint)
Webinar (powerpoint) on Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth
More
Transitional Medicaid
Children Now floyer re: Medi-cal for Former Foster Youth (Fresno County)
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth (Fresno County)
More
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth (Fresno County)
Author(s):
Children Now
Date:
2/2014
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
Coveredtil26_YouthFlyer-Fresno.pdf
Transitional Medicaid
Children Now Flyer re: Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth (Alameda County)
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth (Alameda County)
More
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth (Alameda County)
Author(s):
Children Now
Date:
2/2014
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
Alameda_County_Youth_Flyer.pdf
Transitional Medicaid
Children Now Flyer re: Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth (Solano County)
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth (Solano County)
More
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth (Solano County)
Author(s):
Children Now
Date:
2/2014
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
Coveredtil26_YouthFlyer-Solano.pdf
Transitional Medicaid
Children Now Flyer re: Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth (Santa Clara County)
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth (Santa Clara County)
More
Transitional Medicaid
Children Now Flyer on Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth (Los Angeles County)
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth (how to sign up in...
More
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth (how to sign up in Los Angeles County)
Author(s):
Children Now
Date:
2/2014
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Coveredtil26_YouthFlyer-LA.pdf
Legal/policy issues, Standards/enforcement
YLC Statement on Solitary Confinement
Statement of the Youth Law Center, Reassessing Solitary Confinemnet II: The Human...
More
Statement of the Youth Law Center, Reassessing Solitary Confinemnet II: The Human Rights, Fiscal and Public Safety Consequences, Hearing Before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights
Author(s):
Sue Burrell
Date:
2/2014
Document Type:
Legislative Materials
Document:
YLC-Statement-on-Solitary-Confinement-2-25-14.pdf
Transitional Medicaid
Children Now Fact Sheet on Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth
Fact sheet on Medi-Cal for former foster youth
More
Fact sheet on Medi-Cal for former foster youth
Author(s):
Children Now
Date:
2/2014
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
Coveredtil26_Factsheet.pdf
Transitional Medicaid
Children Now Flyer re Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth (California)
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth
More
Flyer on Medi-Cal for former foster youth
Author(s):
Children Now
Date:
2/2014
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
Coveredtil26_YouthFlyer.pdf
Access to care
Letter Supporting Bicameral Therapeutic Foster Care Bills
This letter supports passage of S. 1992 and H.R. 4016, bipartisan, bicameral...
More
This letter supports passage of S. 1992 and H.R. 4016, bipartisan, bicameral bills, also known as the Quality Foster Care Services Act of 2014.
Author(s):
Foster Family-based Treatment Association
Date:
2/2014
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Letter-supporting-bicameral-TFC-definition-bills.pdf
Transitional Medicaid
CWDA Former Foster Care Children Desk Aid
Information of FFCC eligiblity requirements, including outreach form and aplication
More
Information of FFCC eligiblity requirements, including outreach form and aplication
Author(s):
CWDA
Date:
1/2014
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
CWDA-FFCC-Desk-Aid.pdf
Transitional Medicaid
Medi-Cal Application for Former Foster Youth
Application and Statement of Facts for an Individual who is Over 18...
More
Application and Statement of Facts for an Individual who is Over 18 and Under 26 and Who was in Foster Care Placement on His or Her 18th Birthday
Author(s):
Department of Health Care Services
Date:
1/2014
Document Type:
Legislative Materials
Document:
mc250a-20141-2a.pdf
Transitional Medicaid
DHCS Medi-Cal Eligibility Division Informational Letter
Treatment of Former Foster Care Children's Program
More
Treatment of Former Foster Care Children's Program
Author(s):
Department of Health Care Services
Date:
1/2014
Document Type:
Legislative Materials
Document:
Released-FFCC-MEDIL-I-14-05-Jan-17.pdf
Legal/policy issues, Standards/enforcement
Protecting Youth in the PREA National Standards
These are public comments from youth advocates on proposed standards for the...
More
These are public comments from youth advocates on proposed standards for the implementation of the National Prison Rape Elimination Act. Although the organizatons support many of the draft regulations, they recommend several revisions that are necessary to fulfill PREA’s mandate and protect youth in secure custody. This publication includes recommendations for the following key issues:
• PREA Coordinators
• Staffing
• Employee training
• Definition of “sexual abuse”
• Searches of transgender and intersex residents
• Housing decisions for transgender and intersex residents
• Limits on cross-gender viewing
• Victimization of LGBTI and gender nonconforming youth
• Sexual harassment
• Isolation
• Discipline
• Accommodations for youth with limited English proficiency
• Exhaustion of administrative remedies
• Audits
• Youth in adult facilities
Author(s):
Several Advocacy Organizations
Date:
4/2011
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
PREA_Youth_Comments_0.pdf
Realignment of resources
Juvenile Justice Reform: Realigning Responsibilities
Realizing the state could not afford to comply with the Farrell consent...
More
Realizing the state could not afford to comply with the Farrell consent decree, in 2007, policy-makers acted to reduce the number of youth offenders housed in state facilities by enacting realignment legislation which shifted responsibility to the counties for all but the most serious youth offenders. This major step had long been recommended by youth advocates and experts, and by this Commission in 1994 and 2005, as many counties had demonstrated they were more effective and efficient in managing and rehabilitating youth offenders. As part of the realignment, the state made the historic commitment to provide counties with the money to pay for the programs and services for the shifted population. The Commission took the opportunity to evaluate the realignment as it unfolded with the goal of making recommendations on areas in which the state could improve. This study focused on two key areas of California’s juvenile justice system:
-Implementation of the realignment and what it will take to be successful and efficient.
-Effective management of the small number of youth offenders who, under the realignment legislation, will remain at the state level.
Author(s):
Little Hoover Commission
Date:
7/2008
Document Type:
Articles/Monographs
Document:
report192-Little-Hoover-Commission-Report.pdf
Division of Juvenile Facilities, Legal/policy issues
Joint Informational Hearing on the California Youth Authority, May 16, 2000
In response to recent disclosures concerning the California Youth Authority, on May...
More
In response to recent disclosures concerning the California Youth Authority, on May 16,
2000, the Senate and Assembly Public Safety Committees held a joint oversight hearing.
The Committees heard eleven witnesses concluding with testimony from Robert Presley,
Secretary of the Youth and Adult Correctional Agency and Jerry Harper, the newly appointed
Director of the Youth Authority. Sue Burrell, attorney with the Youth Law Center, was one of the eleven witnesses and described how her firm sued the CYA in 1989 over its failure to provide adequate special education services. Although the suit was settled quickly in 1990, YLC has spent 10 years trying to secure CYA’s compliance with the
requirements laid out in the consent decree reached in the case. While compliance has
reached acceptable minimum standards in 8 out of 10 institutions, Burrell testified that at
Nelles and YTS, less than 50% of the legally required services are being provided.
A major problem with the delivery of special education services is in the "lock-down" units,
where wards are confined to their cells for 23 hours a day, often for months at a time,
Burrell stated. A U.S. Justice Department study was cited indicating that the CYA is among
only 4% of youth training facilities nationwide that place no limit on how long wards may be
held in isolation. She described how those wards in the lock-down units who are allowed out
of their cells for education are brought out wearing only their underwear and receive their
instruction in individual metal cages.
Burrell submitted that the problems with delivery of special education services are related to
the system-wide failure to provide regular educational services. She cited rigid rules at the
CYA which result in wards being held out of school because, for example, they are in Phase
One or orientation.
Burrell also testified that Youth Law Center recently has filed another suit against the CYA
for its failure to obtain State licensing of its medical facilities, as required by law since 1996.
She also stated that in 1996, five Youth Authority wards committed suicide; four of these
wards were waiting for intensive treatment program beds.
Research
Author(s):
California Legislature
Date:
5/2000
Document Type:
Legislative Materials
Document:
Joint-Informational-Hearing-on-the-California-Youth-Authority-May-16-2000.pdf
Division of Juvenile Facilities, Legal/policy issues
Violence-Prone Youth Authority Still Fails Its Children, Its Taxpayers – Daily Journal Forum Column
Article in the Daily Journal Forum Column about efforts to reform the...
More
Article in the Daily Journal Forum Column about efforts to reform the California Youth Authority (DJJ) that began with the Prison Law Office filing Farrell v. Harper and that more needs to be done.
Author(s):
Sue Burrell and Jonathan Laba
Date:
4/2006
Document Type:
Articles/Monographs
Document:
Daily-Journal-CYA-4-6-06.pdf
Division of Juvenile Facilities, Legal/policy issues
California Juvenile Justice Reform in the 21st Century (So Far)
This 2006 presentation at the California Public Defender Association meeting in Monterey...
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This 2006 presentation at the California Public Defender Association meeting in Monterey covers changes at the California Youth Authority (DJJ) because of lawsuit, legislative efforts to introduce the Missouri model, and defender mobilization.
Author(s):
Sue Burrell
Date:
1/2006
Document Type:
Articles/Monographs
Document:
CPDA-California-JJ-Reform-21st-C-Jan-06.pdf
Legal/policy issues, Training school
Letter to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department re Proposed Changes to Pepper Spray Regulations
This letter expresses YLC concerns regarding proposed changes to pepper spray regulations...
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This letter expresses YLC concerns regarding proposed changes to pepper spray regulations in Texas. It has a lot of background on legal and professional standards as well as the damage to youth caused by pepper spray
Author(s):
Sue Burrell
Date:
11/2013
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Ltr-to-Texas-Juv-Justice-Dept-re-changes-to-pepper-spray-regs-11-8-13.pdf
AB 12
Transition Planning and Support for Tribal Youth – Powerpoint Presentation
This powerpoint presentation was presented during the training on Tribal Youth in...
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This powerpoint presentation was presented during the training on Tribal Youth in Transition in collaboration with the Youth Law Center, the Yurok Tribe,the California Indian Legal Services, and the Alliance for Children’s Rights at the Yurok Tribal Community Center in Klamath California on November 20, 2013. The training covered AB 12, which extends support for eligible youth after age 18, and focused on the specific needs of tribal youth as they move into adulthood. Participants included tribal social workers, child welfare and probation staff from Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, school district personnel, CASAs, and staff from youth serving agencies.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center, Yurok Tribe, California Indian Legal Services, and Alliance for Children’s Rights
Date:
11/2013
Document Type:
Training Materials
Document:
Transitional-Planning-Tribal-Youth-111513.pdf
Transitional Medicaid
DHCS Responses to Advocates’ Questions
In a question and answer format, the California Department of Health Care...
More
In a question and answer format, the California Department of Health Care Services Medi-Cal Eligibility Division answers advocates questions regarding the Affordable Care Act and Former Foster Youth.
Author(s):
YLC/DHCS
Date:
10/2013
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
FFCCAdvocates.pdf
LWOP/extremely long sentences
Overview of S.B. 260 (Hancock) Sentencing Review for Juveniles Tried as Adults in California
Factsheet on SB 260 that decribes the problem, S.B. 260 and how...
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Factsheet on SB 260 that decribes the problem, S.B. 260 and how S.B. 260 is to be implemented.
Author(s):
Sue Burrell
Date:
10/2013
Document Type:
Fact Sheets/Overviews
Document:
SB-260-Fact-Sheet-Final-10-4-13.docx
Legal Rights/Placement
Letter Urging Senate to Pass Children Immigration Reform S. 744
This letter urges the senate to:
-Protect S.744’s pathway to citizenship for...
More
This letter urges the senate to:
-Protect S.744’s pathway to citizenship for the 11 million, including the DREAM Act, and ensure that the youngest DREAMers have access to the same 5-year pathway to citizenship as older DREAMers
-Support efforts to provide equal access to health services and programs that are critical to children’s health and well-being, and defend against efforts to further limit children’s access to these programs
-Defend access to critical income supports for children and families, such as the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and defend against efforts to prevent low-income immigrant families from accessing the path to citizenship and income supports
-Support proposals that would promote family unity and protect the provisions in S.744 that keep families together, including improvements to the family-based immigration system; the ability of immigration judges to consider hardship to children in removal and inadmissibility decisions; and the provision that would provide a means for certain removed immigrants, such as parents of U.S. citizen children and DREAM-eligible youth, to return to the U.S. and apply for citizenship
-Protect the provisions in S.744 that would ensure that immigration enforcement measures no longer needlessly separate families or cause harm to children
-Defend the provisions in S.744 that would improve protections for unaccompanied immigrant children, including access to legal representation and improved screening and training mechanisms for immigration enforcement personnel, and support efforts to further ensure that immigration enforcement actions duly consider the best interest of the child
Author(s):
Several Advocacy Organizations
Date:
6/2013
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Children-Senate-Immigration-Reform-Letter-FINAL.pdf
Legal Rights/Placement
Amendments to S. 744 That Affect Children and Families
The First Focus Campaign for Children (FFCC) is committed to advocating for...
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The First Focus Campaign for Children (FFCC) is committed to advocating for passage of immigration reform that addresses the specific needs and interests of children. As the Senate continues deliberation of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act (S.744), FFCC will be working to defend the provisions in the bill that keep families together and promote children’s well-being, defend against attacks on children and families, and support amendments that will improve outcomes for children. This is a list of amendments that FFCC has determined could benefit or harm children and families. This list will be updated accordingly as amendments are filed.
Author(s):
First Focus Campaign for Children
Date:
6/2013
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Child-Amendments-to-S744-2013-06-18-1252.pdf
Transitional Medicaid
California Affordable Care Act Amendment re Medi-Cal for Former Foster Youth
Section 14005.28 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code. This section...
More
Section 14005.28 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code. This section shall become operative January 1, 2014.
Author(s):
Alice Bussiere
Date:
10/2013
Document Type:
Training Materials
Document:
California-ACA-Amendment.pdf
Teen parenting
Developing an Effective Intervention for Incarcerated Teen Fathers – The Baby Elmo Program
The absence of a father figure has been linked to very poor...
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The absence of a father figure has been linked to very poor developmental outcomes. The Baby Elmo Program, a parenting and structured visitation program, aims to form and maintain bonds between children and their
incarcerated teen fathers. The program is taught and supervised by probation staff in juvenile detention facilities. This intervention is based on building a relationship between the teen and his child, rather than on increasing the teen’s abstract parenting knowledge. Because the intervention is conducted in the context of parent–child visits, it fosters
hands-on learning and increases the opportunity for contact between these young fathers and their children, a
benefit in itself. An evaluation of the program indicated improvements in quality of interactions and communication; this increase in the interactional quality of the relationship increases the likelihood that the father and child will form and maintain a positive relationship.
Author(s):
Natalie Brito, Rachel Barr, Carole Shauffer, Jennifer Rodriguez
Date:
5/2012
Document Type:
Articles/Monographs
Document:
Britoetal2012.pdf
Teen parenting
The Baby Elmo Program: Improving Teen Father–Child Interactions within Juvenile Justice Facilities
The aim of the Baby Elmo Program is to establish a low-cost,...
More
The aim of the Baby Elmo Program is to establish a low-cost, sustainable parenting and structured visitation
program for non-custodial incarcerated teen parents. The program is taught and supervised by probation staff
in juvenile detention facilities and unlike traditional programs, this intervention is not based on increasing the
teen's abstract parenting knowledge, but rather in building a relationship between the teen and his child. The
sessions target the interactional quality of the relationship by introducing relationship, communication, and
socio-emotional enhancing techniques. Because the intervention is conducted in the context of parent–child
visits, it fosters hands-on learning and increases the opportunity for contact between these young parents and
their children, a benefit in itself. Twenty father–infant dyads, with infants ranging in age from 6 to 36 months,
participated in the present preliminary evaluation of the program. Individual growth curve analyses showed
significant gains in five of six measures of emotional responsiveness with the age of infant as a significant
covariate. These results indicate improvements in positive high quality interactions and communication
during sessions between infants and their incarcerated parents and this increase in the interactional quality of
the relationship increases the likelihood that the incarcerated teen and child will form and maintain a positive
relationship with one another.
Author(s):
Rachel Barr, Natalie Brito, Jaclyn Zocca, Samantha Reina, Jennifer Rodriguez, Carole Shauffer
Date:
12/2010
Document Type:
Articles/Monographs
Document:
Barretal2011.pdf
Teen parenting
Juveniles in Custody Taught Parenting Skills
The Sacramento Press articie profiles the Baby Elmo Program that teaches parenting...
More
Teen parenting
County’s Baby Elmo Program Reunites Incarcerated Teen Parents with Their Children
Noozhawk article highlights the success of the Baby Elmo Program in teaching...
More
Teen parenting
Rehabilitative Program Strengthens Family Bonds
This Daily Nexus article discusses how the Bably Elmo Program is strengthening...
More
Teen parenting
Teen Dads Behind Bars Receive Parenting Skills with the Baby Elmo Program
An ABC local news station in Cleveland, Ohio highlights the success of...
More
Teen parenting
Classes Turning Incarcerated Juvenile Fathers into Dads
The Chronicle of Social Change article features our Baby Elmo Program and...
More
LWOP/extremely long sentences
Juveniles and California’s Criminal Justice System – FCLCA.org Newsletter
In this interview with Sue Burrell, she discusses SB 260 that offers...
More
In this interview with Sue Burrell, she discusses SB 260 that offers hope to young people who were sentenced to lengthy adult prison terms. The interview begins on page 4 in the Summer 2013 issue of the Friends Committee on Legislation of California Newsletter.
Link:
http://www.fclca.org/images/stories/pdfs/summer2013revised.pdf
Legal/policy issues, Mental health needs
Trauma and the Environment of Care in Juvenile Institutions
This article is about trauma and the environment of care – the...
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This article is about trauma and the environment of care – the way detention itself and conditions of confinement affect youth, and some of the things that can be done to mitigate it. This is one of a great series of briefs specifically relating to trauma and youth in the juvenile justice system sponsored by The National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
Author(s):
Sue Burrell
Date:
2/2013
Document Type:
Articles/Monographs
Document:
jj_trauma_brief_environofcare_burrell_final.pdf
LWOP/extremely long sentences
FCLCA Newsletter Summer 2013
YLC Staff Attorney Sue Burrell was interviewed by the Friends Committee on...
More
YLC Staff Attorney Sue Burrell was interviewed by the Friends Committee on Legislation of California (FCLCA) about legislation that would provide an opportunity for review of lengthy sentences for juvenile tried as adults.
Author(s):
Friends Committee on Legislation of California
Date:
8/2013
Document Type:
YLC Quotes/Mentions
Document:
FCLCA-2013-Newsletter-Interview-with-Sue-Burrell.pdf
Legal/policy analyses
Profile of Honorable Tomar Mason
This article profiles YLC Board Member Honorable Tomar Mason.
More
Right to Counsel
The Right to an Attorney in California Juvenile Delinquency Cases
This is a fact sheet describing the right to an attorney in...
More
Legal Rights/Placement
The Humane Enforcement and Legal Protections (HELP) for Separated Children Act
This is a summary of the Humane Enforcement and Legal Protections (HELP)...
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This is a summary of the Humane Enforcement and Legal Protections (HELP) for Separated Children Act that builds upon humanitarian protections proposed and enacted by the Bush and Obama administrations to protect children whose parents are involved in immigration enforcement actions, and to keep children out of the child welfare system when such involvement is not necessary to ensure children's safety.
Author(s):
Senator Al Franken and Senator Chuck Grassley
Date:
5/2013
Document Type:
Legislative Materials
Document:
HELP-Separated-Children-Amendment-Summary-FINAL-FOR-CIRCULATION-Sign-ons-5-6-13.pdf
SSI/Social Security
SSI Restoration Act (H.R. 1601) Summary
This is a summary of the SSI Restoration Act, H.R. 1601, introduced...
More
This is a summary of the SSI Restoration Act, H.R. 1601, introduced by Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (Arizona). The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program funds foster care for children with disabilities and is an important source of support for children with disabilities in low income families. The Act would modernize and streamline eligibility rules that have not been updated since 1972 when President Nixon signed the law that created the program. Among other improvements, the Act would increase the resource limit to $10,000, which would bring it into alignment with the rule for federal foster care benefits. Congress raised the resource limit for foster care benefits to $10,000 in 1999 to allow youth aging out of foster to save money and prepare for their transition out of state care.
Author(s):
Raul M. Grijalva
Date:
4/2013
Document Type:
Legislative Materials
Document:
SSI-Restoration-Act.pdf
Practice standards/guides
SB 166 – Bill re Training Juvenile Delinquency Attorneys
SB 166 requires Judicial Council to establish minimum hours of training and...
More
SB 166 requires Judicial Council to establish minimum hours of training and education necessary in order to be appointed as counsel in delinquency proceedings. These training hours may be counted toward the minimum continuing legal education hours required by the State Bar of California. California lawyers are already required to complete (and pay for) 25 hours of continuing legal education every three years with four of those hours being in ethics, one on substance abuse and one on the elimination of bias.
Author(s):
Carol Liu
Date:
2/2013
Document Type:
Legislative Materials
Document:
SB-166-Senate-Bill-INTRODUCED.htm
Practice standards/guides
SB 166 Fact Sheet: Training for Juvenile Delinquency Attorneys
Factsheet for SB 166 that would require Judicial Council to establish minimum...
More
Factsheet for SB 166 that would require Judicial Council to establish minimum hours of training and education necessary in order to be appointed as counsel in delinquency proceedings. These training hours may be counted toward the minimum continuing legal education hours required by the State Bar of California. California lawyers are already required to complete (and pay for) 25 hours of continuing legal education every three years with four of those hours being in ethics, one on substance abuse and one on the elimination of bias.
Author(s):
Carol Liu's Office
Date:
2/2013
Document Type:
Legislative Materials
Document:
SB-166-Training-for-Juvenile-Deliquency-Attorneys.pdf
AB 12, AB 12 Probation
What Caregivers Need to Know about AB 12 for Probation Involved Youth: Getting & Staying Eligible – A Power Point Presentation
This power point covers planning issues caregivers need to consider before the...
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This power point covers planning issues caregivers need to consider before the youth’s 18th birthday including permanency options (guardianship, adoption, permanent planned living arrangements) and the impact of those options on extended supports under AB 12(extended foster care, Kin-GAP, AAP) and other benefits. Special issues relative caretakers face regarding placement orders and the impact of those orders on eligibility are also covered.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
2/2013
Document Type:
Training Materials
Document:
Final-Getting-Staying-Eligible-022012Session-2.pdf
AB 12, AB 12 Probation
What Caregivers Need to Know about AB 12 for Probation Involved Youth: Placements – Options, Limitations & Regulations – A Power Point Presentation
This power point covers the new foster family licensing regulations and placement...
More
This power point covers the new foster family licensing regulations and placement options for youth 18 and older. It also covers the impact of SILPS (Supervised Independent Living Settings), Transitional Housing Programs, limitations on group home placements and other AB 12 placement provisions on youth and their kinship or foster family caregivers.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
2/2013
Document Type:
Training Materials
Document:
FINAL-Placements-Options-022713.pdf
AB 12, AB 12 Probation
What Caregivers Need to Know about AB 12 for Probation Involved Youth: Transitioning to Independence – Supports and Other Benefits – A Power Point Presentation
This power point covers the supports and other benefits available to help...
More
This power point covers the supports and other benefits available to help foster youth working or participating in post-secondary education or training programs as they transition to independence. Post-secondary financial aid issues, Chafee grants, SSI and planning for youth with disabilities are also covered.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
3/2013
Document Type:
Training Materials
Document:
Final-Transition-Supports-Benefits-030613-Session-4.pdf
AB 12, AB 12 Probation
What Caregivers Need to Know about AB 12 for Probation Involved Youth: An Overview – A Power Point Presentation
This powerpoint provides an overview of AB 12 including eligibility, benefits, living...
More
This powerpoint provides an overview of AB 12 including eligibility, benefits, living settings, exit and reentry options as well as probation sanction-free jurisdictional alternatives for probation involved youth. It also includes information on how to overcome the common pitfalls and obstacles that probation-involved youth encounter in trying to access benefits under AB 12.
Author(s):
Youth Law Center
Date:
2/2013
Document Type:
Training Materials
Document:
2What-Caregivers-Need-to-Know-Session-1-021212.pdf
A.B. 490/foster care education
Letter Opposing Eliminating Foster Youth Services
This is the letter we faxed to the Senate Budget Committee in...
More
This is the letter we faxed to the Senate Budget Committee in February 2013. The Governor’s current budget proposal would basically block grant Foster Youth Services, thereby essentially eliminating it.
Author(s):
Deborah Escobedo
Date:
2/2013
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Foster-Youth-Services-Letter-to-Senate-Budget-Com-.pdf
Access to care/EPSDT
Letter to HHS re Proposed Regulations for Ensuring Medicaid to age 26
The Youth Law Center was one of 46 national organizations and...
More
The Youth Law Center was one of 46 national organizations and 23 state and local organizations that signed on to these joint comments submitted to the Centers for the proposed regulations for ensuring Medicaid to age 26 for eligible former foster youth.
Author(s):
National and State and Local Organizations
Date:
2/2013
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Medicaid_to_26_for_Foster_Care_Youth_Proposed-Regs-SIGN-ON-2-21-13.pdf
Access to care/EPSDT
Letter to HHS re Extension of Medicaid to Former Foster Youth
YLC submitted comments on proposed rules to implement the extension of Medicaid...
More
YLC submitted comments on proposed rules to implement the extension of Medicaid to former foster youth up to the age of 26 under the Affordable Care Act (ACA.) The ACA provides Medicaid to former foster youth who are in foster care when they emancipate from foster care (at age 18 or older at state option) and were enrolled in Medicaid while in foster care. YLC’s comments, submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on February 21, were generally supportive of the proposed rules but expressed concern about a proposed limitation on eligibility for children placed across state lines and a requirement that youth be enrolled in foster care on their 18th birthday (or other emancipation date.)
Author(s):
Alice Bussiere
Date:
2/2013
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
YLC-Comment-ACA-Rules-022113.pdf
Legal Rights/Placement
Principles for Children in Immigration Reform
Two page document advocating the following:
- A direct, clear, and reasonable pathway...
More
Two page document advocating the following:
- A direct, clear, and reasonable pathway to citizenship. Any pathway to citizenship must be open, affordable, safe, and accessible to children in need of status, including beneficiaries of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), undocumented children under the age of 21, and unaccompanied immigrant children.
- Protection and promotion of children’s fundamental rights. Our immigration system must uphold children’s constitutional rights and ensure equal access to critical public services, programs, and economic supports for children and their families. The protection of fundamental rights also includes ensuring all children receive legal representation before all immigration authorities and, for all unaccompanied children, the appointment of an independent child advocate from the moment of detention throughout the course of any immigration or other related court proceedings.
- Ensure that enforcement efforts have appropriate protections for children. In all enforcement actions, including those along the border, the best interests of the child should be a primary consideration and children must be given the benefit of the doubt during any investigation, inquiry or detention. There should be appropriate and accountable training policies and protocols for interacting with and screening children that reflects a humanitarian and protection-oriented approach, prohibits the use of force with children, and creates reasonable and safe conditions for children while in or released from the custody of all arms of the federal government.
- Keep families together. All policies regarding admissibility, enforcement, detention, and deportation of children and their parents must duly consider the best interests of children, including enabling immigration judges to exercise discretion in admission and removal decisions based on the hardship to U.S. citizen and lawful permanent resident children. The immigration system must be updated by resolving current backlogs and ensuring family-based immigration channels are adequate for future migration without lengthy family separation.
Author(s):
First Focus Campaign for Children
Date:
2/2013
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Principles-for-Children-in-Immigration-Reform-and-Organizations-FINAL.pdf
Legal Rights/Placement
200+ Advocates Offer Principles for Immigration Reform that Works for Children Press Release
This press release is about more than 200 organizations representing children, immigrants,...
More
This press release is about more than 200 organizations representing children, immigrants, academia, faith traditions, and civil rights who released on February 5th a set of principles for immigration reform legislation that meets the needs of children. The bipartisan children’s advocacy organization First Focus and the Women’s Refugee Commission led the effort to develop these principles, which have also been endorsed by the National Latino Children’s Institute, Southern Poverty Law Center, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, MomsRising, the National Immigration Law Center, and a total of 205 organizations. The First Focus Campaign for Children urged U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee members to take these concerns into consideration during today’s immigration policy hearing.
Author(s):
First Focus Campaign for Children
Date:
2/2013
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Childrens-Principles-Press-Release-Final-2.pdf
Babies/young children
Institutional Care for Young Children: Review of Literature and Policy Implications
By Mary Dozier, Charles H. Zeanah, Allison R. Wallin, and Carole Shauffer...
More
By Mary Dozier, Charles H. Zeanah, Allison R. Wallin, and Carole Shauffer
Social Issues and Policy Review
Volume 6, Issue 1, pages 1–25, March 2012
Millions of infants and toddlers are in institutional care around the world, care that is poorly suited to meet young children's developmental needs. In this article, the authors briefly review the history of institutional care and surrogate care, then discuss why institutional care is at odds with children's needs, and review the empirical evidence regarding the effects of institutional care on young children's development. Finally, they discuss alternatives to institutional care, and make recommendations for changes.
Author(s):
Dozier, Zeanah, Wallin and Shauffer
Date:
3/2012
Document Type:
Articles/Monographs
Document:
Institutional-Care-for-Young-Children-Review-of-Literature-and-Policy-Implications.pdf
Adolescence
Parenting During Adolescence – Power point Presentation
Power point presentation that accompanies the video, "Parenting During Adolescence."
More
Power point presentation that accompanies the video, "Parenting During Adolescence."
Author(s):
Judi Smetana, Ph.D.
Date:
8/2012
Document Type:
Training Materials
Document:
judipresentation.pdf
Nutrition
PILP Letter with FNS re FNS’ Proposed Regulations to Implement the Fleeing Felon Provisions
Public Interest Law Project's comments on USDA's proposed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program...
More
Public Interest Law Project's comments on USDA's proposed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regulation which would implement eligibility requirements for the fleeing felon provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill.
Author(s):
Patti Prunhuber
Date:
10/2011
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
PILP-Comments-to-FNS-Proposed-Fleeing-Felon-Rules.pdf
Nutrition
NSCLC Letter to FNS re Proposed Rule: Clarification of Eligibility of Fleeing Felons
Comments of the National Senior Citizens Law Center and the Western Center...
More
Comments of the National Senior Citizens Law Center and the Western Center on Law and Poverty on proposed United States Department of Agriculture rules that deny Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps) to individuals categorized as “fleeing felons.” Final rules have not yet been issued.
Author(s):
Gerald McIntyre and Antionette Dozier
Date:
10/2012
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
NSCLC-WCLP-Comments-SNAP-Regs-111018.pdf
Nutrition
LSNC Letter to FNS re Comments, Fleeing Felon Proposed Regulations
This letter contains LSNC's comments to the proposed regulations to Clarify the...
More
This letter contains LSNC's comments to the proposed regulations to Clarify the Eligibility of Fleeing Felons.
Author(s):
Jody Berger
Date:
12/2012
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
LSNC-fleeing-felon-final.pdf
Nutrition
YLC Letter to FNS Re YLC Comments on Proposed FNS Rule re Eligibility of Fleeing Felons
YLC writes to support the effort to clarify the SNAP eligibility criteria...
More
YLC writes to support the effort to clarify the SNAP eligibility criteria and to make eligibility determinations more uniform but strongly recommend that FNS adopt the criteria established in Martinez v. Astrue and Clark v. Astrue.
Author(s):
Alice Bussiere
Date:
10/2011
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Letter-to-Angela-Kline-re-FNS-Proposed-Rule-10.17.11.pdf
Discipline/truancy
Letter to Governor Brown in Support of SB 1088
Letter to Governor Brown in support of SB 1088, a bill YLC...
More
Letter to Governor Brown in support of SB 1088, a bill YLC co-wrote.
Author(s):
Deborah Escobedo
Date:
8/2012
Document Type:
Legislative Materials
Document:
Support-SB-1088-Governor-Brown.pdf
Discipline/truancy
Letter to Governor Brown in Support of SB 1088
Letter to Governor Brown in support of SB 1088, a bill YLC...
More
Letter to Governor Brown in support of SB 1088, a bill YLC co-wrote.
Author(s):
Deborah Escobedo
Date:
8/2012
Document Type:
Legislative Materials
Document:
Support-SB-1088-Governor-Brown.pdf
Discipline/truancy
SB 1088 Fact Sheet – Fix School
This fact sheet on SB 1088 explains what SB 1088 will do...
More
This fact sheet on SB 1088 explains what SB 1088 will do and how it will help students.
Author(s):
Deborah Escobedo
Date:
11/2012
Document Type:
Training Materials
Document:
SB-1088-Fact-Sheet-Implementation-3.pdf
Practice standards/guides
Public Records and Freedom of Information Act Requests – Power Point Presentation
Power point presentation on how public records and Freedom of Information Act...
More
Mental Health Services Act
Letter to CDMH and MHSOAC re MHSA
Letter requesting that the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission broaden...
More
Letter requesting that the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission broaden the recommended language with respect to juvenile justice youth in the forthcoming Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) guidelines by removing the language limiting juvenile justice youth to those who are "at first point of contact" with the justice system.
Author(s):
Sue Burrell
Date:
3/2007
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
Letter-to-Mayberg-Steinberg-re-MHSA-Early-Intervention-Guidelines.pdf
Mental Health Services Act
Letter to CDMH re Comments on Proposed PEI Draft Guidelines
These comments are directed at one small, but important area - the...
More
These comments are directed at one small, but important area - the language with respect to children at risk of or in juvenile justice. There are several places in the proposed guidelines where a few words would vastly improve the guidance and clarify the intentions of the Mental Health Services Act.
Author(s):
Sue Burrell
Date:
8/2007
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
MHSA-PEI-Comments-Youth-Law-Center-August-3-2007.pdf
Mental health needs, Mental Health Services Act, Racial Justice/DMC
Youth of Color and MHSA Prevention and Early Intervention
Article about why it is critical that the Prevention and Early Intervention...
More
Article about why it is critical that the Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Guidelines be written flexibly enough to permit the use of funds for youth who may be past the front door of juvenile justice. Youth of color are particularly at risk of entering juvenile justice for mental health related behavior that is not immediately recognized.
Author(s):
Sue Burrell
Date:
5/2007
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
MHSA-PEI-Racial-Issues-in-Early-Intervention.pdf
Detention, Legal/policy issues
ACLU Sues Over Center’s “Cruel” Conditions
Rocky Mountain News article about the filing of E.R. v. McDonnell, a...
More
Detention, Legal/policy issues
State Settles Gilliam Lawsuit
Rocky Mountain News article about the settlement in E. R. v. McDonnell,...
More
Detention, Legal/policy issues
Judge Limits O.C.’s Use of Restraints on Youths
Orange County Register article about the results of the trial in Hollingsworth...
More
Legal Rights/Placement
Prop. 187 Violates our Beliefs about Caring for Children
Op ed piece about Prop. 187, which would only allow services for...
More
Mental health needs, Practice standards/guides
What Defenders Can Do to Reduce Placement Delay/Placement Failure
National Juvenile Defender Summit handout focusing on youth with serious mental health...
More
LWOP/extremely long sentences
Life Term Unconstitutional for Juvenile, State High Court Rules
LA Times article about the decision in Caballero for which Sue Burrell...
More
Detention, Legal/policy issues
Judge Orders Reform at O.C. Juvenile Hall
LA Times article about the conclusion of the trial in our case,...
More
SSI/Social Security
Children with Disabilities Aren’t Cheaters
Op ed piece about the Supplemental Security Income Legislation introduced by Republicans...
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Op ed piece about the Supplemental Security Income Legislation introduced by Republicans that would change the current system to one where vouchers would be used to only pay medical care.
Author(s):
Sue Burrell
Date:
1/1995
Document Type:
Advocacy Materials
Document:
LA-Times.-1.13.95.-Children-With-Disabilities-Arent-Cheaters.pdf
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