“A challenge to do better for our youth”: OYA’s new IMPACT system strengthens accountability
In November and December, a few divisions began ...
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 ...
MacLaren YCF/Lord High School Youth Career Fair
“Looking around, can you point out anything that is sheet metal, that’s made out a sheet metal?” Ben Wood with the sheet metal workers union asked a MacLaren youth. The youth looked around a few seconds before admitting they couldn’t. Wood identified a few examples and quickly pivoted into a the merits of the work: ...
El Mes de la Herencia Hispana: Reflexiones de los jóvenes de OYA
Reflexiones de los jóvenes con motivo del Mes de la Herencia Hispana sobre su identidad: “Para mí, la cultura consiste en conectar con la Tierra, con las plantas, con los alimentos y con otras personas. Crecí en ese entorno, ayudando en la jardinería, pero no tanto en la cocina. A pesar de que solo estuve ...
Hispanic Heritage Month: OYA Youth Reflections
Youth reflections for Hispanic Heritage Month on their identity: “Culture, to me, is about connecting—with the Earth and with the plants, with the food, and with other people. I grew up around it, helping with the gardening, but not so much the cooking. Even though I was only in Mexico when I was little, I ...