History of DJJ Tattoo Removal Programs

In accordance with Senate Bill 526 (Hayden) in 1997 and Senate Bill 1700 (Hayden) in 1998, the California Youth Authority (CYA) purchased a total of six laser tattoo removal machines. Through a competitive bid process, the laser tattoo removal machines were awarded to the Hollywood/Sunset Free Clinic, Paul W. Wallace, M.D. Inc., Orange County Probation Department, Family Health Centers of San Diego, Alameda County Public Health Department and Dominican Hospital of Santa Cruz.

The grant recipients established partnerships that involved a collaboration of law enforcement, delinquency prevention agencies, local educators, and licensed health care professionals to aid in identification and referral of potential clients.

Program Objectives

The tattoo removal programs were designed to enhance employment and educational opportunities for at-risk youth. In exchange for removing offensive or gang related tattoos free of charge, participants were required to be involved in constructive activities such as school, employment, vocational training and/or community service activities. Removing gang related/offensive tattoos and facilitating pro-social activities are long proven to be cornerstones of productive citizens and public safety is enhanced.

Program Eligibility

Program eligibility required youth to be under the age of twenty-five. For males, tattoos were removed from the lower arm, hand, neck, and head areas. For females, tattoos were required to be visible in a professional work environment. Moreover, the location of the tattoo must be deemed to present either a threat to the personal safety of, or an obstacle to employment. Priority for program participation was given to youth who had a job offer that was contingent upon removal of the tattoo.

The Tattoo Removal Process and General Information

Removal of a tattoo may require as few as three treatments or as many as ten treatments depending on the complexity. Factors influencing the complexity of a tattoo include size, depth, intensity of the ink, line width, and color of ink. Treatments must be scheduled six to eight weeks apart to allow the tissue to heal. The program’s data has shown that the average tattoo is approximately 2” x 2” and it takes approximately 6-7 months to be removed.

Current Status of DJJ Tattoo Removal Program

In April of 2003, the laser tattoo removal machines were donated to the agencies that were already in operation in the community and were on the Department of General Services donation list. The Division of Juvenile Justice would like to express our deepest gratitude to the agencies that were in collaboration with us and provided such a needed resource in the community over the years. We appreciate your hard work and dedication to making the community a better and safer place to reside.