CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Bringing Youth Voice into Juvenile Justice Oversight
For nearly a decade, I served as a court-appointed member of the San Diego Juvenile Justice Commission, where I participated in annual inspections of juvenile detention centers, group homes, and lock-up facilities across the county. These inspections informed formal findings and recommendations reviewed by the courts and probation before being released to the public.
THE CHALLENGE
Young people are frequently discussed, evaluated, and represented within juvenile justice systems. Yet they are rarely given meaningful opportunities to speak directly about their experiences or influence the policies designed on their behalf.
THE INITIATIVE
I led the Commission’s first pilot initiative designed to survey young people about their experiences within the system. The survey created a structured opportunity for youth to share their perspectives on safety, services, education, treatment, communication, and daily life. The initiative recognized young people as knowledge holders whose experiences can reveal institutional strengths, gaps, and possibilities for reform.
THE IMPACT
The initiative marked an important shift in how the Commission approaches oversight. It created a pathway for young people’s experiences to become part of our research and decision-making while laying the groundwork for more participatory approaches to juvenile justice accountability.
Youth Civic Engagement, Research, and Action (YC-ERA) Curriculum
YC-ERA is a civic engagement curriculum framework designed to create sustainable opportunities for young people to connect with the world around them, engage meaningfully in community issues, and participate alongside institutional and community stakeholders.
Through research, dialogue, collaboration, and action, youth develop new skills, encounter innovative ideas, and cultivate a deeper sense of agency and ownership over their learning and civic participation.
HEAR FROM
YC-ERA PARTICIPANTS
Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago
Ethiopian Young People Leadership Council
The Ethiopian Young People Leadership Council connects high school students with college students, recent graduates, and professionals to strengthen pathways from high school to higher education and career.
Through mentorship, leadership development, career exposure, and intergenerational exchange, the Council helps young people build confidence, expand their networks, explore future possibilities, and prepare for successful transitions into college, the workforce, and civic life.
