The Promise of Community-Based, Less Restrictive Programs: Commentary on a Policy Innovation

Journal of Correctional Health Care 2026

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Authors: Angela Pollard, Erin McCall, Samantha Vera Leyva, Jocelyn I. Meza, Darius Parakh, Cynthia Valencia-Ayala, Johanna B. Folk
DOI: 10.1177/10783458261448280
Cited by: 1
References: 6

Abstract

Carceral settings are particularly harmful for youth development and substantially impede their ability to pursue postsecondary education, a key determinant of health and protective factor against future legal system involvement. This article provides a review of innovative legislation that eliminated California's state-level Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and incentivizes county-based, less restrictive programs (LRPs). In addition to discussing the national and state context for the policy changes, our community-research partnership identifies strengths and opportunities for the LRP model to support community reintegration and a pathway to success with postsecondary education for incarcerated youth.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis Education Discipline and Inequality Child Abuse and Trauma

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Correctional Health Care
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Volume
32
Issue
4
Pages
255–259
Publication date
8 May 2026
Language
EN