California Youth Defender Center

California Youth Defender Center CYDC defends youth rights by building and training a statewide defense coalition that challenges injustices, drives policy change, and champions community.

CYDC measures success through impact you can see: laws are reformed, defenders are equipped, and youth gain futures whic...
12/02/2025

CYDC measures success through impact you can see: laws are reformed, defenders are equipped, and youth gain futures which are open instead of closed. Donors fuel these outcomes, and uplift safety, dignity and justice for young people across California. Join us in making our vision a reality! Link to donate on the second slide.

CYDC’s legal trainings, policy work and statewide defender community all rely on donor support. Your investment lets us ...
12/02/2025

CYDC’s legal trainings, policy work and statewide defender community all rely on donor support. Your investment lets us respond quickly when new injustices arise, build resources for defenders in real time, and grow programs across California. Donor support is what keeps CYDC responsive - and effective. On this we invite you to join our Executive Board in standing against injustice. Our Board has pledged a $10,000 matching grant, so that every dollar you give is doubled. Donation link is on the last slide.

One of CYDC’s north stars is to end the adultification of youth, including ending transfer to adult court. At Monday’s ...
11/20/2025

One of CYDC’s north stars is to end the adultification of youth, including ending transfer to adult court. At Monday’s meeting, commissioners learned that in the last two years, the Probation Department recommended transfer in 38/40 cases for which they’ve prepared a report. CYDC Executive Director and fellow commissioners had some questions for the department about this practice.

CYDC, and the LA County Public Defender’s Office are co-hosting Summit Beehive in California! What a beautiful day to ...
10/17/2025

CYDC, and the LA County Public Defender’s Office are co-hosting Summit Beehive in California! What a beautiful day to be with mighty youth defenders and policy attorneys.

Yesterday, CYDC staff and members, as well as many of our allies and colleagues, were in Sacramento for both the Assembl...
04/23/2025

Yesterday, CYDC staff and members, as well as many of our allies and colleagues, were in Sacramento for both the Assembly and Public Safety Committee hearings. Our coalition bill, SB 824, authored by , was heard and passed through committee 5-0! CYDC legislative committee co-chair Stephen Hirsch (Sacramento County Public Defender’s Office) and Manny Garcia from gave powerful testimony as to why strengthening re-entry planning and opportunities to be placed in a less restrictive program are so important for youth committed to a Secure Youth Treatment Facility. We appreciate Senator Menjivar’s leadership and commitment to youth justice. Onward!

We are excited to share with you that the Pacific Juvenile Defender Center is now the California Youth Defender Center! ...
04/15/2025

We are excited to share with you that the Pacific Juvenile Defender Center is now the California Youth Defender Center! For the past 25 years, we have supported youth defense in California. Why a name change now? As part of a broader transformation to better serve our community, California Youth Defender Center (CYDC) more aptly reflects our focus on the youth justice community in California, and our commitment to uplifting the rights and humanity of all young people, without labeling them. We believe in treating every young person as a child first, restoring childhood through opportunities for growth, development and redemption. Thank you for being with us on this journey, and we look forward to our next 25 years of advocacy!

It’s ! Help and the young people we serve thrive by giving today. Thank you for supporting us and the critical work we...
12/03/2024

It’s ! Help and the young people we serve thrive by giving today. Thank you for supporting us and the critical work we do to envision a California where all youth have excellent legal representation, are treated fairly and equitably in court, and get real, trauma-informed, community supported alternatives to being locked up. Together, we can change lives! Link in bio to donate.

PJDC Defender of the Year Kevin Nowack (left) and Ron Rayes, Assistant Chief of the Juvenile and Civil Commitment Branch...
09/17/2024

PJDC Defender of the Year Kevin Nowack (left) and Ron Rayes, Assistant Chief of the Juvenile and Civil Commitment Branch, Private Defender Program of the San Mateo County Bar Association. Kevin was nominated by his colleagues for his fearless advocacy of young people facing transfer in San Mateo County. Congratulations, Kevin!

From left: Ron Tyler, Stanford Law School Professor and Director of the Criminal Defense Clinic, Rhyzan Croomes, PJDC’s ...
09/17/2024

From left: Ron Tyler, Stanford Law School Professor and Director of the Criminal Defense Clinic, Rhyzan Croomes, PJDC’s Director of Capacity Building and Training, and Caylin Louis Moore, Stanford PhD candidate, discuss how to advocate for racial justice in the courtroom.

Some more Roundtable photos! Left to right:Advocate of the Year Kent MendozaDefender of the Year Kevin Nowack Our belove...
09/17/2024

Some more Roundtable photos! Left to right:
Advocate of the Year Kent Mendoza
Defender of the Year Kevin Nowack
Our beloved and admired Sue Burrell
Sue Burrell Champion of Youth Justice Award winner Meredith Desautels
Sue Burrell Champion of Youth Justice Award Winner Erin Palacios
PJDC Executive Director Brooke Harris
Defender of the Year Stephen Hirsch
Emerging Attorney of the Year Mi Kim

This group represents our past, present and future. We are so proud of the hard work and dedication of each of our honorees!

Address

919 Albany St.
Los Angeles, CA
90015

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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