A mural adorns the Challenger Memorial Youth Facility in Lancaster. (photo courtesy of Los Angeles County Arts & Culture)

The goals of the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture’s “Countywide Plan for Elevating the Arts as a Criminal Justice Reform Strategy” were adopted on March 10 by the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, furthering the transition of L.A. County’s justice system from a punishment-based model to one that embraces trauma-informed and healing-centered approaches.

The new plan guides the development of countywide infrastructure that expands arts-based programs and services to those impacted – or at risk of becoming impacted – by the justice system. Its core components focus on prevention, community development, diversion, custodial care and re-entry strategies. The plan directs the L.A. County Department of Arts and Culture and Chief Executive Office to assess resources for implementation.

“Arts and culture have the power to promote positive narrative change and connect us to our humanity and the humanity of others,” said Department of Arts and Culture Director Kristin Sakoda. “By investing in justice-impacted youth, individuals and communities as part of alternatives to incarceration, arts and culture can play a meaningful role in helping the county enhance our systems of care, and build safer, healthier and more equitable communities.”

“Research shows us that the best outcomes for decreasing justice system involvement are achieved through individual and community development efforts, along with opportunities for job placement. These strategies also tend to be much more cost-effective than long-term custody and care,” said Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, lead author of the motion that directed the development of the plan. “The Department of Arts and Culture has an ambitious strategy to not only help individuals re-enter society after their time in the justice system, but to prevent system involvement in the first place.”

“Arts-based strategies have already shown a wonderful ability to foster resiliency and positive self-images in young people,” added Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, co-author of the motion. “As the county embraces more rehabilitative and trauma-informed practices in our juvenile system, we recognize that it’s important to incorporate innovative arts strategies. As the poet Thomas Merton wrote, ‘Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.’ Let the healing begin!”

The arts also play a unique role in connection to community. In the criminal justice context, incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals suffer additional trauma and isolation as a result of societal stigma. Engaging with arts brings forward the stories, experiences and emotions of those affected by the justice system to be heard, felt and embraced by the community.

For information, visit lacountyarts.org.