Former AmeriCorps member describes re‑entry work, SB 823 realignment and 'honorable discharge' for youth

Devonte Springer, introduced by California Volunteers as a three‑year AmeriCorps California alumnus and founder of Community House Activism, described his work mentoring system‑impacted youth and assisting their re‑entry. He said his placement with California Justice Leaders involved mentoring, helping youth plan for jobs and housing, and participating in board hearings where young people petitioned for certificates of rehabilitation.

Springer summarized the state policy context: “In 2023, there was a Senate Bill called Senate Bill 823 or better known as the DJJ Realignment Bill,” he said, explaining the law transferred responsibility for many youth from the state Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) back to counties. He said that change means counties must develop re‑entry plans for youth returning from state custody and that some youth may seek an "honorable discharge"—a certificate of rehabilitation that can be presented to a judge as evidence of rehabilitation when pursuing juvenile record relief.

Why it matters: Springer’s description connects service placements with an administrative change that affected how counties handle youth formerly in state custody. He described direct service activities (mentoring, re‑entry planning) and a concrete, programmatic outcome—board hearings and the issuance of at least one honorable discharge certificate to a youth he worked with.

Community partnerships and continuity: Springer emphasized long‑term relationships as central to the work: a mentor he met in juvenile hall (Victor) continued to support him outside custody and later helped connect him with placement opportunities. Springer said those relationships are a durable outcome of service work, noting that people “will outlast your service year” and that placements can catalyze ongoing civic and career engagement.

For more information: Springer invited listeners to visit his nonprofit’s website, chasac.org, for details about Community House Activism and its storytelling and advocacy training.