San Mateo County
Juvenile Justice Commission
Delinquency Prevention Commission
Who We Are
The San Mateo County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission is a state and federally mandated oversight body composed of San Mateo County residents appointed by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and the Presiding Judge of the San Mateo County Superior Court and Juvenile Courts.
The Commission is responsible for ensuring compliance and accountability within San Mateo County’s juvenile justice system and for safeguarding youth rights through inspections of juvenile detention facilities, law enforcement holding facilities, Temporary Shelter Care Facilities, and Short Term Residential Treatment Programs serving justice involved and foster youth.
Serving as the public conscience in the best interest of youth, the Commission advances policies that prioritize humane, evidence based treatment, programs, and services over punishment to support healing, growth, and public safety. The Commission also coordinates countywide delinquency prevention efforts aimed at preventing youth entry into the juvenile justice system.
Our Mission
The mission of the San Mateo County Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission to be a public conscience in the best interest of young people.
The Commission advocates for programs and services that prevent youth entry into the juvenile justice system, and that provide tools young people need to thrive and succeed in life.
The Commission seeks to promote respect for the human dignity of all young people who do enter the juvenile justice system and seeks to preserve their youth.
Aspirations
The Commission’s aspirations are guided by the voices and experiences of youth, families, and communities across San Mateo County and inform our efforts to build a more humane, responsive, and effective juvenile justice system that ensures safer communities for all.
Aspiration One
The voices of communities most likely to be affected by the juvenile justice system, and the organizations that serve them, are heard regularly by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and other appointed and elected officials in order to raise awareness of issues and policies that impact juvenile justice and delinquency prevention in the County.
Aspiration Two
All youth in San Mateo County and their families have convenient and affordable access to high quality mental health, substance use, restorative, and other programs and services needed to promote health, stability, and success.
Aspiration Three
All youth who come into contact with the juvenile justice system in San Mateo County are provided, from the moment of system involvement, with the supports they and their families need to thrive and to successfully transition out of the juvenile justice system.
Aspiration Four
All schools in San Mateo County apply restorative justice principles and practices comprehensively across classrooms, curricula, and policies, and provide students and families with convenient and affordable access to high quality programs and resources that strengthen engagement and ensure students remain in school and graduate.
Aspiration Five
All elementary and middle school children in San Mateo County, especially those in underserved communities, have convenient and affordable access to high quality after school programs and early supports that address trauma and promote healthy development.