Senate Bill 439 went into effect on Jan. 1, ending the prosecution of children under 12 in juvenile court; but counties have until Jan. 1, 2020 to develop an implementation plan that actualizes this vision.
CDF-CA is supporting the implementation process at the state and county levels. At the state level, we are working with partners to create an implementation guide that will help county officials create their plans. We will also be providing individualized support to those that require it. At the county level, we have already supported the creation and distribution of a temporary implementation guide. Currently we are collaborating to create a permanent guide and planning several convenings to engage and educate the community on this policy change.
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Lack of Concern for Students in LA County Court System
While attending public school at Crenshaw High, I saw first-hand how content proficiency, culturally responsive education, and committed educators can transform the trajectory of low-income and marginalized communities. The revelations of systemic inequities, uncovered in my Social Studies classes, inspired me to become an educator — ultimately leading me to justice-informed youth, a population I knew required the most support. Unfortunately, my years teaching young people in Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) court schools has shown me these inequities persist at alarming rates. Despite society claiming to want to correct racial inequities in the justice and education systems following the murder of George Floyd and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, students in court schools, 90% of whom are students of color, have been left behind. Our school district has received an ongoing “Red” or “Orange” — not good — [...]
COVID-19 Response Perpetuates Inequities for Vulnerable Children & Families
CDF-CA Statement on COVID-19 For Immediate Release: March 14, 2020 Media Contact: Cadonna Dory, (323) 385-6342 COVID-19 Response Perpetuates Inequities for Vulnerable Children and Families In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Children’s Defense Fund-California (CDF-CA) releases the following statement: The COVID-19 pandemic is triggering a global emergency response that is shifting the daily lives of families across the nation and the world. While the incidence and risk of COVID-19 are lower for children, COVID-19 is adversely impacting their quality of life through school closures and their parents losing employment. Basic needs are at stake and we demand that officials pay attention to the needs of low-income, mixed-status, and Black, Brown and Indigenous families. “Despite what is being said, our children are not being spared from COVID-19. In fact, it is our most vulnerable -- poor Black, Brown and Indigenous children -- who are [...]