Probation staff told the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council July 23 they are preparing to reintroduce a girls-focused group in county schools and are considering an alternate curriculum called Voices, developed by Change Company.

A probation staff member said probation had run a Girl Circle program with strong results in the past but lost capacity after staff turnover. “Probation did it in school for years. We had a lot of success and then we had some transition in our department,” the staff member said, and added that with current staffing they are prepared to offer a program again. The staff member said Voices is “cognitive behavioral, you know, related stuff” and included a link on the meeting agenda for JJCC members to review.

Inclusion and logistics: Committee members asked how the program would serve students who identify as transgender or nonbinary, and whether boys would be served. A JJCC participant described an approach used by a local staffer that allowed participation by “anybody that also identifies as a female.” Committee members recommended consulting with Stonewall Alliance (Butte County) for inclusive language and facilitation guidance; one participant noted Stonewall Alliance “are really good about giving you the verbiage and the words and the correct phrases.”

Training and partners: The proposal would require facilitator training (one speaker said trainers spend “like 4 or 5 days” in training for the Girl Circle model). Probation said it can provide staff to lead the groups or pursue a contract with an outside agency. JJCC members discussed recruiting schools and principals; one member said Principal Hawkins had been receptive in prior conversations.

Decision and next steps: Probation staff said they will explore Voices curriculum materials and follow up with principals and partners. The JJCC did not take formal action; members encouraged the probation team to continue planning and to return with more detailed proposals.

Ending: Committee members expressed support for programming that builds connections for youth and said they will review materials and training requirements before the next meeting.