The Division of Juvenile Justice Professional of the Year Award is given annually to the person or persons who provide opportunities for growth and change by identifying and responding to the unique needs of our youth. The award recipient or recipients help do this through effective treatment, education, and interventions in order to encourage positive lifestyles, reduce recidivism, strengthen families, and protect our communities.
Division of Juvenile Justice Professional of the Year Recipient:
Denita Razo, Acting Captain, Northern California Youth Correctional Center
Lieutenant/Acting Captain Razo has gone above and beyond in her role at NCYCC since August 2021. She has guided the complex through annual audits such as the 1800 Security Audit. She was also a vital part in combining two separate youth correctional facilities (O.H. Close YCF and N.A. Chaderjian YCF) into one functioning facility. She coordinated training and helped facilitate scheduling for DJJ staff to work safely at both of the facilities.
Acting Captain Razo has also been a key member of the executive team in DJJ’s transition to closure. She was vital in organizing the peace officer staff transitional picks to adult institutions. She is very proficient in policy and training and always makes herself available for staff that need help. A lead in the Peer Support Program, she’s very active in providing peer support to our staff during these transitional times. Staff excel under her supervision and continue to respond well under her leadership.
