Children’s Defense Fund – California is excited to announce the release of A Culture of Care for All: Envisioning the LA Model, a new approach for treating youth who are incarcerated, published in partnership with The California Wellness Foundation.
This report, written by Hailly T.N. Korman (Bellwether Education Partners) and Carly B. Dierkhising (California State University – Los Angeles) captures nearly two years of thought, and collaboration by more than 100 stakeholders to articulate a shared vision of a new model of juvenile justice in Los Angeles, known as the LA Model.
“This report records a collective effort to imagine therapeutic, holistic treatment of youth during incarceration, recognizing that ultimately incarceration must be a last resort and for the short time possible,” said Patricia Soung, interim executive director of Children’s Defense Fund – California.
The LA Model has ten essential elements and is replicable across the country. It is both informed and innovative, built on the latest research as it draws on promising practices across the country. But it also includes components not found in other corrections systems. For example, in addition to supporting healthy relationships and agency collaboration, the LA Model prioritizes academic achievement and engagement, and it positions education providers as fundamental to the rehabilitative program.
The LA Model will be piloted at Los Angeles County Probation Department’s new facility constructed on the site of the former Camp Vernon Kilpatrick in Malibu, slated to open in April. But the model is intended to be implemented throughout all county juvenile facilities.
Media Contact
Cadonna Dory
cdory@childrensdefense.org
o: (213) 355-8790 // c: (323) 385-6342
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Children’s Defense Fund-California (CDF-CA) is a state office of the Children’s Defense Fund, a national child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for over 40 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. CDF-CA champions policies and programs that lift children out of poverty, ensure all children have access to health coverage and care and a quality education, and invest in our justice-involved youth.