ABOUT US

Mission

DYD’s mission is to be a catalyst for transformation by providing innovative pathways to youth development through intersectional, anti-racist, youth-centered strategies so that all young people can access resources that nurture their growth, wellbeing, and connection to community.

Vision

DYD envisions a flourishing youth development ecosystem that builds safer communities and eliminates youth incarceration by ensuring young people have the tools they need to thrive.

Values

Youth and Community Empowerment: Uplift and create spaces for youth and community wisdom and opportunities for co-design.

Restorative Accountability: Prioritize healing and relationship-centered approaches to wrongdoing that help the wrongdoer take accountability for their actions and help those who have been harmed to heal.

Anti-Violence: Preventing all forms of violence by addressing root causes.

Anti-Racism: Actively identify and eliminate racism by changing systems, organizational structures, policies and practices, and attitudes so that power and resources are redistributed and shared equitably.

Collaborative Solutions: Prioritize collaboration and collective problem-solving with partners and stakeholders.

About DYD

The Department of Youth Development launched in July 2022. The initial responsibilities of DYD include:

  • Investing in regional youth development networks;
  • Expanding community-based youth diversion and restorative practices;
  • Enhancing care coordination for system-involved youth, including Credible Messenger mentorship and other reentry support;
  • Advancing Los Angeles County’s Youth Justice Reimagined vision and care-first strategies;
  • Centering youth and community expertise in collaborative innovation.