San Francisco Youth Commission

Youth Justice Committee

Thursday, December 10, 2010

4:30-6:00pm

City Hall, Room 345

There will be public comment on each item.

Present: Commissioners Hirano, Ellington, Jones, Vasquez

Absent: Commissioner Carlson

Staff Present: Julia Sabory

Call to Order – The meeting was called to order at 4:40pm

Approval of Agenda – The agenda was unanimously approved

Approval of Minutes - The minutes were unanimously approved

Public Comment on Items not on Agenda – There was none

New Business

1. Discussion and Possible Action: Debrief the Know Justice Conference and next steps for Tool Kit

Commissioners decided to not debrief the conference; they in general felt good about the outcome and are ready to move forward with new business, specifically following up on the youth Justice Tool Kit. Commissioners brainstormed the following ideas: sending tool kit to CBO’s, developing a modified workshop to CBO’s and schools using the Tool Kit, Sending out a monthly Juvenile Justice announcements. The Commissioners decided to set up a meeting in two weeks with the new outreach team and the Juvenile Advisory Council to design and plan out the Tool Kit Campaign.

2. Discussion and Possible Action: Youth Justice Committee’s Budget Priorities

The Committee reviewed a memo prepared by Youth Commission staff about School Resource Officers, (SRO). An in-depth conversation took place about Youth Vote’s data on the lack of student’s close relationship with SROs. Each Commissioner discussed their interaction with SRO’s and both positive and critical points were brought up. Ultimately, the members requested the following information:

· Are there ways to prove that the 33 SRO’s are or are not at the school?

· If the members decide to advocate for re-allocation of the general $3.6 million, or a portion of that, where would the committee advocate for hat to go?

· So far we know that there are positive SRO’s at Lincoln, Mission, and Wallenberg.

· Is there a correlation between school violence and SRO presence?

· Has there been a policy shift of assigning Officers to SRO posts that may not actually “like” students

· The concern of school to jail – principals opting for police intervention rather than behavioral discipline (could there be a level of offenses and education for school administrators?)

The Committee members decided to meet next Thursday, March 11^th, at the same time to focus only on the budget recommendation.

3. Discussion and Possible Action: JJPA and JJCC participation

Staff Sabory announced to the members that she will be assisting the Juvenile Justice Providers Association with their meetings for the next few months with a particular focus on the budget process. Sabory asked the Committee if they would like to assist as this would be a wonderful learning opportunity for them. All members present were interested; however, the meetings are during the day so the high school students wouldn’t be able to participate. Everyone voiced that this will be a wonderful mentorship opportunity. The next meeting however will be March 24^th at 6:30 which enables all Committee members to attend. This will be a special meeting where Assembly member Tom Ammiano’s aide will present on Assembly Bill 1751 and Senator Leland Yee will discuss the possible local impacts on juvenile justice based on State cuts. The Committee asked if they could co-sponsor the event. Staff will follow up.

Staff Sabory notified the Committee that the Youth Commission has been offered an official seat on the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council, (JJCC) a collection of stakeholders who identify strategies to create opportunities for high risk, systems-connected youth to personally succeed and permanently exit the juvenile justice system. In the past, the JJCC has been responsible for helping to set the juvenile justice program priorities, guiding how the City allocates local and state funding, and approving the Local Juvenile Justice Action Plan. The Commissioners are very excited about this opportunity to participate and learn as well as provide valuable input. Commissioners Vasquez and Ellington volunteered to be the Youth Commission representatives. They will alternate when the other cannot attend due to school or work. Staff committed to providing a one-pager to both of them overview the JJCC and other relevant information. The Commissioner in attendance of the meeting will work and sit with the Juvenile Advisory Council and Juvenile Justice Provider’s Association member so they can all assist with orientation and support for one another.

4. Discussion and Possible Action: AB 1751 Bill to Eliminate Juvenile Crimes from Three Strikes Law. This Bill would prevent crimes committed by juveniles to be counted as strikes as adults

Commissioner Ellington reviewed the Bill briefly and volunteered to author a resolution in partnership with other Committee members for the next Commission meeting.

Old Business

1. Discussion and Possible Action: DGO Status Update

Tabled.

2. Discussion and Possible Action: Update on previous resolutions and letters- Youth Promise Act and SF 8

Commissioners reviewed the letter from the Chief Deputy Attorney General addressed to Commissioners Jones and Quesada regarding the letter of support for the SF 8. Staff also updated the Commissioners that the full Board supported the Committee’s resolution by Commissioner Carlson to support the Youth PROMISE Act and that it was ultimately signed by the Mayor as well. Staff notified Representative Bobby Scott, the sponsor of the legislation, and San Francisco will be added to the list of jurisdictions who have officially signed on to support the Youth PROMISE Act. Everyone was elated.

Announcements (This includes Community Events)

Adjournment at 6:00pm

Supplemental documents for agenda items are available for review at City Hall Room 345. Minutes are also available on the Youth Commission Website at www.sfgov.org/youth_commission