California Justice Leaders

California has thousands of young adults who have suffered juvenile justice involvement. These young people need support, guidance, and opportunities to rebuild their lives so that they do not return to prison or jail, but instead, become contributors and leaders within their community. These young adults need guidance from credible messenger’s, individuals that may have experienced similar circumstances, and have made a successful transition back into their community. The California Justice Leaders position will offer coaching and guidance to assist young people in making a successful reentry, in connecting with a range of resources and services, and in increasing participation in the important Honorable Discharge determination process. CJL members will serve a 900 hour, 11-month term of service as a navigator for youth and young adults currently in or released from California’s Division of Juvenile Justice facilities. Members will build awareness of California’s new Honorable Discharge petition, work to increase utilization of the Honorable Discharge (HD) petition process and guide youth and young adults on a successful re-entry pathway. Members will also provide re-entry support for young adults who have been released from other California juvenile justice facilities. Members will be placed at local community-based organizations for the duration of their year of service. CJL AmeriCorps members will also receive significant leadership training, post-secondary education guidance and support, and professional development designed to provide the skills and social capital necessary to become the next generation of professionals, community leaders, justice field professionals, and agents of systems change. Where: We are looking for members in the counties of: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Alameda, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Fresno, and Madera