Learn more about your civic engagement rights and how to safely take action as a young person. Access essential resources, legal support, and emergency contacts for Los Angeles County youth and families.
About the Campaign
Created at the request of the LA County Board of Supervisors, the “LA Youth: Know Your Rights” campaign is a partnership between the County’s Department of Youth Development, Public Defender’s Office, and Alternate Public Defender’s Office. The initiative helps young people engage safely in civic action by informing them of their rights to prevent legal consequences or harm.
Know Your Rights Toolkit
This toolkit equips youth and allies to safely exercise their civic rights through protests, walkouts, and demonstrations. Our goal is to educate and empower young people to stand up for themselves while avoiding legal consequences or harm. Translated versions of this toolkit will be available soon.
Civic Engagement Workshops
In collaboration with the Public Defender’s Office and the Alternate Public Defender’s Office (APD), DYD hosted a series of “Know Your Rights” youth workshops throughout Los Angeles County this summer. Alongside our partner, CHIRLA, we provided young people with vital education on their constitutional rights and pathways to civic action. View the video below for an overview of the program’s impact.
Partner Media Toolkit
We invite you to help amplify the “LA Youth: Know Your Rights” campaign to connect young people, families, caregivers, educators and community members with these resources. Access this media kit for suggested social media posts and other materials.
Resources
LA County Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA)
Official county resource for immigrants.
ACLU – Immigrants’ Rights
Legal rights info and advocacy guides.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice
Rights info in multiple Asian languages.
California Attorney General’s Office
State guidance and resources.
CAIR
Info in English, Arabic, Farsi, Urdu & more.
CARECEN
Community immigrant rights info (EN/ES).
CHIRLA
Rights info, English & Spanish.
CIELO
Resources in Indigenous languages.
Know Your Rights Camp App
Mobile app for youth rights and safety.
National Immigrant Justice Center
National resources and legal support.
Catholic Charities of Los Angeles
Immigration & Refugee Services.
📞 213-251-3411
Catholic Charities of Los Angeles
Immigration & Refugee Services.
📞 213-251-3411
CARECEN
Free immigration services.
📞 213-385-7800
Immigrant Defenders Law Center
Free legal representation.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Handouts & toolkits for families.
Immigration Law Help
Directory of nonprofit legal services.
LA County Public Defender’s Office Rapid Response Team
📞 213-947-0572
Email: PDRRT@pubdef.lacounty.gov
National Employment Law Project
Workplace rights & immigrant protections.
National Immigration Legal Services Directory
Locate free/low-cost legal help.
Catholic Charities of Los Angeles
Immigration & Refugee Services.
📞 213-251-3411
Catholic Charities of Los Angeles
Immigration & Refugee Services.
📞 213-251-3411
CARECEN
Free immigration services.
📞 213-385-7800
Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Handouts & toolkits for families.
Immigration Law Help
Directory of nonprofit legal services.
National Immigration Legal Services Directory
Locate free/low-cost legal help.
DACA Assistance Hotline
ICE Detainer Locator
Find individuals in ICE custody.
Immigration Court Hotline
📞 800-898-7180 (A-Number required)
Soluna Mental Health App
For teens & young adults in CA.
Teen Line
📞 866-948-2988 Text “TEEN” to 839863
Disclaimer: The resources and links provided are for general informational purposes only. The County makes no guarantees, expressed or implied, about the information included here. This information is not guaranteed to prevent the risk of detention, arrest, and possible prosecution. Please be cautious and make sure you are informed about the risks involved.