“A challenge to do better for our youth”: OYA’s new IMPACT system strengthens accountability
In November and December, a few divisions began ...
At Parrott Creek, the Power of Photography Transforms Perspectives
This fall, youth at Parrott Creek took part in a six-week photography class, and the results speak for themselves. Youth reflected that the class was a gateway to self-expression, capturing (as one youth put it), “how I see the world – like showing something only I could see.” Leah Lamb, Residential Program Manager, recast this ...
Highlighting the Victim Engagement Program: Why It Matters
This year, OYA established a Victim Engagement Program (VEP) to ensure victims’ voices are heard and their needs addressed. As Susana Escobedo, the manager of VEP, explains, a victim-centered perspective ensures that victims are not forgotten in our justice system. “We’re making sure victims’ rights are embedded in our practices and policies,” Susana shared. “It’s ...
Celebrating a Legacy of Advocacy: The Patton Learning Center
On December 13, we renamed the educational space at Oak Creek Correctional Facility and the Jackie Winters Transition Program for young women to honor Pam Patton, a woman whose dedication to gender equity has changed countless lives. The Patton Learning Center will stand as a tribute to her tireless efforts to ensure that young women ...
OYA’s Gang Management Strategy
The Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) has developed a thoughtful and effective approach to managing youth gang involvement, focusing on evidence-based strategies like trauma-informed care, restorative justice, and mentorship programs. These approaches address the roots of gang affiliation while fostering resilience and independence among youth in custody. Gang management is one of three aspects of OYA’s ...
OYA Celebrates Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month is a celebration held each year in November to recognize and uplift the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, histories, and contributions of Native people. There are 574 officially recognized tribes within the U.S., nine of which are in Oregon—the Burns Paiute Tribe; the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw ...