All posts by OYA Communications

Ukuleles sitting leaning against a wall outside

Symphony of Words

For many youth in OYA custody, making music is a form of therapy.

Two women and four men standing outside about to cut a ribbon with a giant pair of scissors

OYA dedicates program in honor of Senator Jackie Winters

The Jackie Winters Transition Program serves youth preparing to move back to the community from close custody.

Close-up photo of headphones sitting on a keyboard

Youth wins national talent competition

J.T. won for a rap song he wrote while at Rogue Valley Youth Correctional Facility.

Two African American young men sit in front of computers in a computer lab

Into the Light

MacLaren is not a dark place with nothing to offer, a youth at the facility writes — it’s a hub of opportunities for growth.

Making the World a Better Place

Rogue Valley’s new superintendent reflects on how she got into juvenile justice and her hopes for the facility.

A man on the floor demonstrating breakdancing moves to two youth who are also on the floor

Artist, Role Model, Influencer

Who is Carlos Chavez? A youth at MacLaren writes about the impacts of a contractor who devoted 11 years to helping OYA youth.

A man in a blue OYA t-shirt talks with a youth

Through Their Eyes

A youth in OYA custody asks the staff at his facility about why they chose this line of work.

News release Oregon Youth Authority May 17, 2022

UPDATE: One runaway youth from Oregon Youth Authority still missing

The missing youth ran away the evening of May 16. Anyone who sees her should call 911.

Firefighting students digging around a live fire outside

Firefighters in Training

A new class of wildland firefighting students at Camp Riverbend had their first practice burn this week.

Man smiles while shaking hand of graduate in purple cap and gown

Eastern Oregon facility honors graduates

The facility in Burns celebrated six students who earned their high school diplomas.