The California Division of Juvenile Justice (sometimes known by its original name, CYA or California Youth Authority) is one of the most harmful and isolating youth prison systems in the nation. Forced to experience outrageous levels of violence, abuse, and neglect, young people leave DJJ damaged and unprepared — 70% are rearrested within two years. All this failure costs California around $500 million every year.
When young people get in trouble, they need counselors, teachers and specialists — not dangerous prisons run by prison guards. Other states have made the change and seen a drop in both recidivism and cost. It is time for California to stop wasting money on a system that hurts young people and investing in one that helps them. It's the only way to save young people's lives and build true community safety.
