FOR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT GERARDO LEON GARCIA, STAFF FOR THE COMMISSION, AT 831-454-3105 OR PRB1150@SANTACRUZCOUNTY.US
You can get connected with services for youth and families with one easy call to 211.
Our Mission Statement
The mission of the Santa Cruz County Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commission is to advocate for and protect the safety and well being of dependent and delinquent youth, as well as to promote intervention and prevention services and programs in Santa Cruz County. The Juvenile Justice mandate of the Commission is to conduct a yearly inspection of the Juvenile Hall and, after the investigation is complete, make recommendations to the Chief Probation Officer and the Board of Supervisors for changes which are deemed beneficial. A copy of the most current Juvenile Hall Inspection Report is located here.
What is the Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commission?
The Commission consists of 15 members appointed by the presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court. Two members are nominated by each of the five members of the Board of Supervisors to represent each Supervisorial district. There are also three general at-large members and two at-large members, ages 14-21 years, representing youth in our community.
Section 225 of the Welfare and Institutions Code requires each county to have a Juvenile Justice Commission. The definition of the role of Juvenile Justice Commissions is found in Sections 229, 230, 270, and 271 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. The Santa Cruz County Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commission was established by the Board of Supervisors in 1966.
The Commission is dedicated to the promotion of an effective juvenile justice system operated in an environment of credibility, dignity, fairness and respect for the youth and other citizens of the county.
What does the Commission do?
The delinquency prevention focus of the Commission seeks to prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system when possible. The Commission strives to support delinquency prevention activities which include: advocating for needed youth services by working with county agencies and community groups, recognizing and promoting programs for youth, and hosting youth-related activities. The Commission is focused on those activities that are primarily designed to prevent juveniles from entering into the court system to begin with. These activities may include advocating for youth and advising both governmental and non-governmental agencies of policy recommendations.
Where and when does the Commission meet?
The JJDPC meetings are held every month on the second Thursday, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The location varies so please refer to the agenda for the upcoming meeting location information. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
Commission Membership
Duties of Commissioners include attending monthly meetings, participating in inspections and investigations, preparing reports, working on subcommittees as needed, and assisting in community forums and events. Commissioners are appointed for terms of four years.
Application for Membership on the Commission
If you have a passion for youth, a desire to serve your community, and have ideas to support efforts to prevent delinquency of our youth, we would invite you to submit an application to serve with us.
Individuals who are interested in volunteering for this Commission can contact their County Supervisor or go to the County website, select “Commissions, Committees, and Advisory Bodies” under the “Government” tab, and click on the “Apply Now” button. You can also get to this website by clicking the link below: