Important Timelines
What is the Youth Reinvestment Grant?
In 2018 Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer fought to secure $37.3 million in the 2018-19 California State Budget, which established the Youth Reinvestment Grant (YRG) Program. Local governments are able to draw down funds from this program to improve the outcomes of vulnerable youth populations by using trauma informed and community-based interventions in lieu of arrest, detention and incarceration. The Youth Reinvestment Grant Program provides $37.3 million to be allocated as follows:
- 94 percent, or $35,062,000, must be awarded to local jurisdictions through a competitive grant process for implementing evidence-based, trauma-informed, culturally relevant, and developmentally appropriate diversion programs in underserved communities with high rates of juvenile arrests and high rates of racial/ethnic disproportionately within those juvenile arrests.
- Three percent, or $1,119,000, must be awarded to Indian tribes for implementing diversion programs that will address high rates of juvenile arrests, suicide, and alcohol and substance abuse.
- Up to three percent, or $1,119,000, may be used by the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) for the administration of the grant.
Why Do We Need the Youth Reinvestment Grant and Diversion Programs
In 2016, of the approximately 62,000 youth arrested, more than 69% had committed misdemeanor and status offenses like petty theft, school fights, smoking marijuana, running away and violating curfew.
As such, diversion programs will reduce the disproportionate impact the justice system has on low-income communities and people of color. It’s time to stop locking up our children and start investing in their future. Further, just a 10% reduction in California’s juvenile justice system population will save California taxpayers nearly $800 million per year.
Who can apply for the YRG
To apply for a grant, each city or county must decide on a “lead public agency” that will be responsible for organizing local groups to implement the grant program. Qualifying organizations that receive funds must provide diversion programs along with educational services, mentoring opportunities, as well as behavioral health and mental health services.
For a full list of cities, counties and/or lead agencies intending to apply for the Youth Reinvestment Grant please see the PDFs below or visit the BSCC website.
Potential Lead Agencies in the Southern California Region
The City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development
(GRYD)
Phone: (213) 473-7796
The Los Angeles County Office of Diversion and Reentry (ODR)
Director: Judge Peter Espinosa
Deputy Director: Mrs. Corrin Buchanan: (213) 288-8544
Alternative Number: (562) 807-7250
City of Compton
City Councilmember Emma Sharif
esharif@comptoncity.org
Phone: (310) 605-5590
City of Gardena
Mayor Tasha Cerda
Phone: (310) 217-9507
tcerda@cityofgardena.org
Phone: (310) 217-9503
Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services
Director: Judge Peter Espinosa
Deputy Director: Mrs. Corrin Buchanan: (213) 288-8544
Alternative Number: (562) 807-7250
How to apply for YRG
The BSCC is the state agency that will be administering the Youth Reinvestment Grant, the Request for Proposal (RFP) is due on March 29, 2019. More details about the application process can be found on the BSCC website. Below are PDF’s of the RFP’s for the YRG and the Tribal YRG.
http://www.bscc.ca.gov/s_youthreinvestmentgrant.
Download Youth Reinvestment Grant Fund Request for Proposals +
Download Youth Reinvestment Grant Fund Tribal Youth Diversion Program Request for Proposals +
Who can I contact at the BSCC with Youth Reinvestment Grant questions, comments, or concerns?
Kimberly Bushard, Field Representative, at kimberly.bushard@bscc.ca.gov
Isabel Diaz, Program Analyst, at isabel.diaz@bscc.ca.gov
YouthReinvestmentGrant@bscc.ca.gov
YRG FAQ
The BSCC has a FAQ section on their website about the YRG application process that is being updated as more questions come in, for more information please visit the sites below:
Tribal Youth Diversion Grant FAQ
We want to hear your feedback on the YRG application Process
Click here to take the YRG Survey +
Youth Reinvestment Grant In the News
05/25/18
Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer Talks with HLN Host Michaela Pereira about Youth Reinvestment Proposal