In 2020, California enacted SB 823 / AB 1868, which phases the closure of California’s Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and instead provides resources to counties for supervision and service delivery to youth in conflict with the law.
Welfare & Institutions Code Section(s) 1990-1995 establish the Juvenile Justice Realignment Block Grant program for the purpose of providing county-based care, custody, and supervision of youth who are realigned from the state Division of Juvenile Justice or who would otherwise be eligible for commitment to the Division of Juvenile Justice prior to its closure.
Highlights of SB 823 / AB 1868
- Ends intake into DJJ on July 1, 2021, except for cases where the youth may be tried in adult court
- Creates a new state agency to provide oversight and accountability of the realigned system
- Raises the age of local jurisdiction and confinement to age 25 for serious cases
- Requires the legislature to establish a new sentencing track for realigned population by March 2021
For more information, please visit the CDCR website.
