A Second Chance: Young Adult Court Celebrates Four Graduates
Four young men convicted of nonviolent felonies will get a fresh start in life thanks to Orange County’s Young Adult Court program, which seeks to reduce recidivism rates through a scientific-based approach to rehabilitation.
Photo credit: Jordan Wozniak
This summer on July 23, four young men received a second chance at a brighter future. The Young Adult Court Program (YAC) hosted its 17th graduation ceremony, marking the graduation of its 47th, 48th, 49th, and 50th graduates. YAC offers young men ages 18-25 a pathway to take first-time felonies off of their records, so that they don’t affect their employment opportunities, housing, or other benefits that felons could lose in the future. Through a combination of court supervision, mental health services, employment or educational opportunities, and mentorship, the program gives them a fresh start for the future.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana with Judge Lewis Clapp presiding. It marked the end of a challenging and rewarding journey for the graduates. Family members and friends filled the courtroom to celebrate their success. Judge Clapp began the ceremony by recognizing those responsible for guiding the graduates through the process.
He thanked Young Adult Court’s co-creators, UCI professor of professor of psychological science, education and law, Dr. Elizabeth Cauffman, who attended the court in person, and Orange County Superior Court Judge and UCI alumna, Maria Hernandez, who was tuning in via Zoom. Several representatives from the sheriff’s department also attended, including Orange County’s Sheriff, Don Barnes. Those who had worked more personally with the graduates, such as their probation officers, attorneys, and case managers, were also recognized.
The four graduates were then called up to the stand. One by one, those who had worked personally with the graduates during their time at YAC stood to speak. Each shared reflections on the personal growth they had witnessed over the past 18 months to two years. They commended the graduates’ maturity, resilience, and commitment to change. The young men had to balance many responsibilities: working part-time or full-time jobs, getting GEDs and certifications, taking care of family, and meeting the demands of the program. It was clear that their dedication and work ethic were a defining part of their transformation.
The graduates also spoke of how grateful they were that one reckless mistake would not define their lives. They spoke of their many goals and plans, whether educational or career-wise. One graduate shared how he had committed a felony due to his inability to deescalate a situation. “Now, thanks to Young Adult Court, I know how to deescalate,” he said.
As the ceremony ended, the graduates walked away felony-free, allowing them to pursue their hopes for the future. Young Adult Court serves as a hopeful model, one that treats young offenders as individuals in need of opportunities and guidance, rather than just punishment.
Young Adult Court is currently looking for support from the community. Services for YAC participants lead to a more stable future for them and a safer community for all. Donors can chip in to help here.
