The Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development has launched “LA Youth: Know Your Rights,” a countywide education campaign that gives youth tools to understand and exercise their rights during protests, walkouts and encounters with law enforcement, school security and immigration authorities.

“DYD’s core mission is to transition away from punishment-centered systems and instead invest deeply in care, opportunity and youth-led empowerment,” DYD Director David J. Carroll said. “This campaign meets young leaders exactly where they are ¬¬– in community spaces and online. True youth development means providing educational resources and protective guardrails that allow young people to shape their communities safely and confidently.”

Born out of a July 2025 Empowering Youth Through Know Your Rights Education for Civic Engagement motion authored by Supervisors Hilda Solis, 1st District, and Janice Hahn, 4th District, the campaign addresses a critical need to empower marginalized youth in the wake of heightened immigration enforcement, ICE raids, the No Kings movement and national and local policies that affect the safety of immigrant communities.

“In the face of ongoing aggressive immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, our youth have shown remarkable courage and an unwavering commitment to defending the rights of our communities,” Solis said. “As families continue to navigate fear, uncertainty and shifting federal policies, it is critical that young people have the information they need to stay safe and informed. This toolkit reflects our commitment to standing with young Angelenos by equipping them with the tools and information to understand their constitutional rights, protect themselves and remain civically engaged.”

A focal point of the campaign is the newly released KYR Youth Toolkit, a youth-friendly, digitally accessible guide with tips and information designed to clarify the boundaries of civic engagement. The toolkit provides practical, real-world advice on protesting safely and understanding First Amendment rights; knowing what to do if stopped by police, school security or federal immigration agents; and legal protections, emergency planning and local resources available for undocumented and mixed-status youth and families.

“Young people shouldn’t have to learn about their rights the hard way,” Los Angeles County Public Defender Ricardo Garcia said. “Everyone deserves to know how the legal system works, how to protect themselves, and how to speak up. That’s why this partnership matters. By bringing legal education into our communities and giving young people practical tools, we’re helping them navigate systems that can impact their lives and giving them the confidence to ask questions and make their voices heard. Knowing your rights isn’t just about knowing the law, it’s about knowing your power.”

Young people, educators, parents, community advocates and allies can access the Know Your Rights Youth Toolkit and connect with free legal and immigrant support resources at dyd.lacounty.gov/kyr.