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Pandemic Response at DJJ

The Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) considers the health and well-being of our youth and staff as our highest priority.

  • In-person family visitation has resumed at DJJ facilities. For information for scheduling an in-person visit, go to this visitation guidelines site. Video visiting using Microsoft Teams (formerly Skype for Business) is available at all Division of Juvenile Justice facilities. (En Espanol)
  • As of March 10, 2023 there are eight active cases of COVID-19 among youth. A total of 805 cases have resolved since the first case was diagnosed in June, 2020.
  • Many cases have been asymptomatic, and there have been no COVID-related hospitalizations and no deaths.
  • Family visitation may be suspended at any time if new outbreaks occur. See https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/juvenile-justice/visiting-during-covid/ for information on contacting facilities to schedule and confirm a visit.
  • For current information about a youth by an approved parent, guardian or loved one, contact a facility by phone or email DJJCOVIDINFO@cdcr.ca.gov. Contact numbers are listed by facility at https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/juvenile-justice/facility-locations/  Follow the automated phone trees in English or Spanish to the Assistant Superintendent.
  • DJJ values family relationship and visitations as vital part of rehabilitation, so DJJ youth are receiving increased free phone calls and implementing teleconferencing software for video visits.
  • Staff cases are tracked here, by facility, https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/covid19/cdcr-cchcs-covid-19-status/
  • DJJ is following medical isolation and quarantine protocols in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • To ensure everyone’s well-being, effective March 18, 2020, volunteer programs were postponed, or delivered in a virtual format.
  • The California Education Authority is continuing high school classes for youth in DJJ.
  • DJJ is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by limiting public contact within our facilities for the safety of our youth, staff and community partners.  Community services and support to DJJ youth is very important, so DJJ has been working on finding innovative and creative ways for agencies to continue in a new way. For a more detailed explanation of the community service provider and partner remote access process, please go the Community Partnerships page. 
  • We encourage letter writing as a way to stay in touch and are increasing the number of postage stamps available to youth.
  • All staff, volunteers and visitors are given the same health screenings in place at other state institutions, including periodic and/or as-needed COVID-19 testing.
  • Staff will undergo regular testing as part of ongoing COVID-19 surveillance.
  • Staff will complete a daily self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure prior to entering a DJJ facility.
  • Staff shall follow current procedures based on the latest guidance for reporting to work after experiencing significant COVID-19 exposure.
  • All staff are required to wear appropriate masks per CDCR policy for face coverings.
  • You and staff have access to hand washing stations and sanitizers. Physical distancing is required at all times.
  • Board of Juvenile Hearings proceedings will take place as scheduled via videoconference only. Go to the Board website for more information. https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/juvenile-justice/juvenile-parole-board/
  • On April 14, 2020, Governor Newsom signed an Executive Order addressing the release and reentry process at DJJ so that youth may be discharged safely and quickly.
  • DJJ has increased cleaning and disinfecting schedules in common areas and on surfaces, including telephones.
  • We encourage everyone to stay safe and visit these sites often for updates.  https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/covid19/ and https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/covid19/covid-19-response-efforts/.