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.
