Welcome to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Victims Services

Victim Services

The Office of Prevention and Victims Services (OPVS) was created in 1992 to administer the California Department of the Youth Authority's (CYA) delinquency prevention and victims services responsibilities. While the primary mission of the DJJ revolves around maintaining custody of, and providing treatment, training and education for wards of the juvenile court placed in its jurisdiction, the Department established OPVS to acknowledge its responsibilities and support in crime and delinquency prevention and community and victim restoration.

 

The CYA designated the first Victims Services Specialist in 1983 and services have grown in response to victims' rights and needs and a continued focus on offender accountability. The Victims Services Division (VSD) provides coordinated services to victims, local victim witness/assistance agencies, and CYA staff. The VSD also works in conjunction with probation departments, judges and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to enhance services to crime victims.

The program is based on the premise that the justice system is accountable to victims and has a responsibility to offer services and implement programs that will address the long-term impact of crime on victims. The following victim oriented services and programs are provided by the VSD:

 

Services to victims:

  • Notification of release, transfer and/or escape
  • Notification of Youth Authority Board Hearings
  • Accompaniment to Youthful Authority Board Hearings
  • Restitution collection and disbursement
  • Assistance in preparing victim impact statements
  • Referrals for civil recovery, counseling, financial assistance and restraining orders

Many of these services have been made possible through grant programs. The Office of Criminal Justice Planning Direct Services Enhancement Program (DSEP) provides services to victims of more serious and violent offenders committed to the YA and outreach to underrepresented victims.

The Victims Reparation Project (VRP) is funded by the Victims Compensation and Government Claims Board. This project focuses on holding offenders accountable for their court ordered restitution fine and direct victim restitution.

If you or someone you know is a victim of a juvenile offender who has been committed to the Youth Authority, you may complete a Request for Offender Information, and mail it to the address indicated on the form.

For further information, please contact the Victims Services Division a (916) 262-1534 or Toll Free (888) HeGotCYA or (888) 434-6829 or TTY line (800) 555-6469 or send us an Email.

Additional information:

Victim/ Witness Assistance Centers (listed by County)