Maribel Garcia

The council discussed and approved Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act (JJCPA) funding recommendations for FY 2025/2026. Members addressed potential impacts of school district budget cuts on juvenile justice programs and proposed roundtable discussions with educational leadership. The council received and filed the Quarter 2 OCJJCC report and approved nominations for various positions, including Local Law Enforcement and community representatives. Additionally, the meeting included scheduling for the 2025 calendar year, including future special meetings, and a discussion regarding the reconvening of the SB 823 Subcommittee.

The council received a presentation on the SB 823 Program Evaluation Project and approved the appointment of an Education Representative. Several budget-related items were addressed, including the filing of expenditure and data reports for the Office of Youth and Community Restoration, and the approval of the 2024 Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act funding requests and recommendations, which included increased funding for various community programs. Additionally, the council reviewed the annual report for the 2023-24 fiscal year and discussed the process for upcoming term expirations.

The County of Orange's Juvenile Justice Realignment Plan for 2024-2025 outlines its strategy for implementing Senate Bill 823 to provide county-based custody, care, and supervision for eligible youth. The plan's priorities include establishing a trauma-informed approach with individualized treatment plans focusing on behavioral health and educational needs, fostering robust family engagement, and developing comprehensive reentry strategies for employment, housing, and education. It also details facility plans and partnerships with community-based organizations, with the overarching goal of improving youth outcomes and reducing recidivism.

The council discussed and approved the 2025 Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act (JJCPA) funding opportunity, establishing a funding cap of $225,000 per new community-based organization program with a total allocation not to exceed $1.2 million. The chair was authorized to work with the CEO to form an ad hoc committee to provide recommendations at the next meeting. Additionally, the council reviewed a request from the District Attorney for funding for juvenile justice-related programs, which was subsequently continued to the next meeting. Other highlights included welcoming a new Public Defender to the council and the announcement of an upcoming change in the Education representative.

The council discussed the Annual Report for fiscal year 2023-2024, including a cost breakdown of contracted full-time employees versus county employees. Members also discussed the impacts of Proposition 36 and reviewed programmatic achievements and challenges across various juvenile justice initiatives, including the School Mobile Assessment and Resource Team, the Truancy Response Program, and the Substance Use Programming.