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celebrating 3 years of dyd

3 years of dyd As I reflect back on the third year of the Department of Youth Development, I am grateful for the impact we have been able to have on the lives of young people in Los Angeles County thanks to our growing community of partners. This year, DYD has been in a season of action. Our team has almost doubled in size. Together with you all, we have now brought the vast majority of Youth Justice Reimagined recommendations to life and have created a new Strategic Plan that will guide us through what comes next. 2025 has been an incredibly difficult year for all of us. From devastating fires to the impact of immigration enforcement on our neighbors and families to the ongoing harms young people experience in juvenile justice facilities, we have all been responding to crisis after crisis this year. Despite those crises, our work together has created new opportunities for youth. Thank you for your continued dedication to building a brighter future for young people. As always, it is an honor to be in collaboration with you all.

- David J. Carroll

A Few Highlights:

Completing YJR Phase 3 and Starting the Next Phase: DYD’s Strategic Plan Launched Youth Development Networks (YDNs) in 5 Initial Regions Launched a Youth Development Learning Collaborative (YDLC) Expanded & Strengthened Partnerships for More Equitable Diversion Referrals Launched the Reentry Action for Youth (RAY) Community Reentry Program and Phase 1 of Safe Healing Centers Expanded Youth Leadership through the Heart of YJR and Working to Strengthen Opportunities for Engagement

dyd’s strategic directions equity

Los Angeles County Becomes a Model for Equity-Centered Administration & Coordination of Youth Development Services

learning

care-first services

Community Wellbeing and Safety are Improved by Strategies That Reduce and Eliminate Youth Incarceration

Diversion

Los Angeles County Achieves Shared Understanding and Policy Support for Effective Youth Development Practices

prevention

All Young People Can Access Restorative Alternatives to Expulsion, Arrest, and Court

All Young People Can Access a Local Youth Development Network for Resources They Need & Want

youth & community

Are Empowered and Centered Along with Cross-Sector Collaboration Across Priority Areas

read dyd’s strategic plan! Scan the QR Code or Visit: dyd.lacounty.gov/plan

youth development networks Youth Development Networks (YDNs) are coordinated groups of community-based organizations providing free, community-centered & culturally responsive resources. This past year, the YDNs launched in five pilot areas across LA County.

Youth Development Network Providers

Working to promote youth well-being in historically disinvested areas

35,000+

Youth Engagements Through culturally-relevant activities that promote youth well-being

"Better Youth made me feel like my voice mattered. They gave me tools, people who care, and a place to grow. I never thought someone like me could have a future in [animation], but now I know I can." - Youth Participant

youth diversion Diversion offers young people the opportunity to participate in supportive and restorative services as an alternative to traditional legal system involvement.

1,500+

Youth Diverted

In lieu of arrest or court through informal or formal referrals

95%

Youth Stay Out of Trouble

Diversion Providers

Referral Partnerships

With the legal system after enrolling in Diversion programs

With countywide coverage, addressing root causes & building healthy accountability

Preventing young people from systems involvement

“When [we] first received [youth’s] case, his parents were deeply concerned—he was struggling with substance use, breaking curfews, and engaging in risky behaviors. However, with dedicated support from his Case Manager, [youth] took charge of his recovery.” - Diversion Provider

learn more about diversion’s success! Scan the QR Code or Visit: bit.ly/DYDDiversionEval

programming in youth justice facilities DYD has expanded services for youth inside juvenile hall and camp facilities, supporting community-based providers who have a daily presence in the facilities providing supportive services and Credible Messenger mentorship.

500

Youth Supported Daily

Credible Messengers

In-Facility Providers

With increased access to supportive services and mentorship in facilities

Drawing on their lived experiences of system involvement to act as trusted mentors With day-to-day presence supporting justice-involved youth

“Our restorative dialogue circles are intentionally designed to shift young people from reacting to their circumstances to owning their voice and future. Over time, we watch the skill of honest self‑expression translate into healthier decision‑making at school, work, & home. - Credible Messenger Provider

reentry action for youth (RAY) DYD launched Reentry Action for Youth (RAY) in March 2025 to provide transformative mentorship and case management for justice-involved youth.

200+

Youth Reconnecting to Community

Community-Based Providers

With the support & guidance they need to prevent further justice system involvement

Employing system-impacted adults to mentor system-impacted youth

“[One participant] was able to secure a full time job with support and guidance from his mentor. He completed 30 hours of community services and the judge closed his case. He also started community college and is staying on track of meeting all his goals this quarter.” - RAY Provider

heart of youth justice reimagined (HYJR) The Heart of Youth Justice Reimagined (HYJR) convenes youth leaders monthly in the five YDN regions to build community, develop leadership skills, and inform DYD’s implementation of Youth Justice Reimagined (YJR).

800+

Youth Leaders Engaged

In improving their local communities since January 2025

“HYJR is one space I know I can feel safe and feel like I belong. I noticed drastic changes in my attitude and the way I carry myself; I also am more confident expressing myself.” - HYJR Youth Leader

“HYJR has shown me a new perspective on cooperation and collaboration and helped me get a JOB!" - HYJR Youth Leader HE Y ART RE JUSOUT OF IM TI H CE (Y AGIN JR E ) D

youth development learning collaborative DYD’s Youth Development Learning Collaborative (YDLC) engages stakeholder groups across LA County to develop, implement, and align cross-sector priorities that promote equitable youth wellbeing, growth, and connection to community. This year, we were excited to co-lead the Transition-Age Youth (TAY) Table to increase shared knowledge among youth-serving agencies about equitable youth development.

gender impact assessment As a part of the County’s Women & Girls Initiative, DYD’s internal Gender Impact Assessment (GIA) Team works to apply an intersectional and gender equity approach to DYD’s programming, services, and internal practices.

stay connected to dyd! visit our website! dyd.la