Community leaders and advocates gathered at a recent San Francisco County meeting to voice urgent concerns over the future of youth services, particularly in light of funding cuts to critical programs. The spotlight was on the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice (CJ), which announced the closure of its Youth Justice Mentoring (YGM) program due to defunding. This program has been pivotal in supporting justice-involved youth, helping them navigate challenges such as probation and education.

A passionate case manager from CJ highlighted the program's successes, noting that it has assisted many young people in completing probation, graduating high school, and preparing for college. "Addressing the needs of justice-involved youth requires collaboration and leadership from community-based organizations," the case manager stated, emphasizing the importance of community support in fostering positive outcomes for these individuals.

Henry Brown, a community member, echoed these sentiments, arguing that placing youth in the juvenile justice system often strips them of their dignity. He called for alternative approaches that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, suggesting that the ranch facilities could be transformed into cultural heritage sites to promote healing and integration into society.

Other speakers, including former program participants and community activists, urged for the preservation and enhancement of existing youth programs. Damien Posey, an alumnus of the Log Cabin Boys Ranch, advocated for improved programming and training for staff to better serve the youth. "It would be a waste to lose that space for another apartment building," he warned.

Jody Schwartz, executive director of Lyric, shared alarming statistics about the youth they serve, revealing that a significant portion of their participants have had contact with the justice system. Many of these youth are transgender, nonconforming, and youth of color, facing urgent needs for mental health services and stable housing.

The meeting underscored a collective call to action: to redirect city resources towards supporting youth and community organizations rather than incarceration. As discussions continue, the future of youth services in San Francisco hangs in the balance, with advocates pushing for a renewed commitment to empowering the city's most vulnerable populations.