California is a decentralized state, meaning that delinquency services are organized at both the state and local level.

How is detention organized? 

Juvenile detention in California is funded by both state and local governments. State law requires all county boards of supervisors to establish and maintain juvenile halls or to establish joint juvenile halls with other counties. All but three of California's 58 counties have their own juvenile halls and many operate their own camp and ranch facilities.

Probation intake officers may decide to send a juvenile to a diversion program, or choose to handle the case through informal supervision. California Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 654, deals with diversion.

The statutory rights of victims in California reside in the Penal Code, Section 679.02. The “Victims’ Bill of Rights,” enacted in 1982, is part of California’s Constitution.

Probation is administered at the county level in California. California's Welfare and Institutions Code Section 270 sets the mandate that counties have a probation department.

Specific qualifications for probation officers vary from county to county. At a minimum, juvenile probation officers in California must be high school graduates.

Juveniles are committed to the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).  Senate Bill 81/Assembly Bill 191 changed eligibility requirements for commitments to DJJ.

The Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) reviews cases and can modify a date by which the wards can be considered for release to parole. DJJ and the Juvenile Parole Board review cases annually. The initial parole consideration date can change depending on the wards' progress (or lack of) in the institution. 

Aftercare services are incorporated into parole supervision in California. The parole system is a 'step down' process; as parolees advance through the program, their need for services and supervision decreases.

California’s Purpose Clause reflects Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ) philosophies.  The BARJ movement advocates that juvenile courts give balanced attention to three primary interests: public safety, individual accountability to the victims and community, and the development in offenders of those skills necessary to live law-abiding and productive lives.

Lower Age: None specified

Upper Age: 17

Extended Age of Delinquency Jurisdiction: 24

County probation departments vary in their use of risk/needs assessments or standardized assessment tools in making predisposition recommendations.