Mark Leno

For Brodie Lytle, a 17-year-old living in transitional housing in Concord, California, he feels lucky that he gets to see and talk to his biological brothers on a regular basis. However, that wasn’t always the case.

After Los Angeles County moved to strongly limit the use of solitary confinement in its juvenile detention facilities, advocates are now setting their sights on legislation that would restrict the practice throughout California.

This month, Calif. Governor Jerry Brown signed a raft of legislation aimed at improving the lives of children and youth in foster care. In addition to the package of bills designed to stem the overprescribing of psychotropic medication for foster youth, and AB 403 which will greatly reduce the number of youth placed in group homes, Brown signed several other significant foster care bills before last Sunday’s midnight deadline.

By Dominic Uyeda Imagine a 17-year-old, with long blonde hair, wearing a dress and makeup, being driven to a foster care group home. Once there, she will be sharing a room with two teenage boys, living in a house with all males.

By Erica Webster Letters thrown in a urinal. Standing in the cold at 5 AM. Locked in solitary confinement for days. These are some of the disciplinary methods James Anderson remembers correctional officers using at Camp Scobee, a secure juvenile facility in Los Angeles County.