CYA Observes 21st National Crime Victims Rights Week.

News Editors

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 23, 2001

California Youth Authority (CYA) facilities statewide will participate with victims rights advocates throughout the nation in recognizing the 21st Annual Commemoration of National Crime Victims Rights Week, April 22-28.

"This year's national theme focuses on the rights of crime victims. 'Victims Rights: Reach for the Stars,' emphasizes that crime victims have a right to be included in our system of justice...and this right holds offenders accountable and helps make our communities safer for us all," said CYA Director Jerry Harper. "Crime victims, and those who serve them, have earned the right to be included and involved in the justice system."

CYA activities will begin with a moment of silence at 10 a.m. on April 23, which will mark the beginning of a weeklong schedule of events. Some CYA activities and events that will be held over the week include: guest speakers who are victims themselves or are family members of victims; essay, poster, and poetry contests among the offenders; memorial services; voluntary offender-restitution-collection drives; and a variety of fund-raising events generated to benefit victims groups.

Activities also extend to parole offices throughout the state, where CYA parole staff and parolees are coordinating a variety of events in their local communities. In addition to guest speakers and presentations, other activities will include fund-raisers such as car washes to benefit local community victim support and crime prevention organizations.

The CYA's commitment to involving victims in offender programming continues to grow. According to Harper, offenders need to understand the harm they have caused to victims, communities, their own families, and themselves. This commitment includes the Impact of Crime on Victims class being part of every CYA facility's curriculum.

The CYA provides institutional training and parole supervision for juvenile and young adult offenders. The department also works with community organizations, local law enforcement and other agencies on gang and drug suppression and delinquency prevention activities.

The department is responsible for nearly 11,800 juveniles and young adult offenders, with 7,200 in 11 institutions and four conservation camps, and 4,600 on parole. In addition, more than 32,000 crime victims are on record to receive services from the department.

Note: For more information on activities, visit our website at cya.ca.gov or check with individual CYA facilities for a schedule of events at sites.