(a)
Pursuant to Section 1178, if a person discharged from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Facilities by the Board of Juvenile Hearings has proven that person’s ability to desist from criminal behavior and to initiate a successful transition into adulthood, the board may grant that person an honorable discharge.
(b)
The purposes of an honorable discharge are to recognize and reward youth who have avoided reoffending and have pursued productive and engaged roles as members of society; to remove barriers to a youth’s successful integration into society and to enable the pursuit of greater opportunities; to serve as an incentive for
youth to participate in treatment and training while placed in the Division of Juvenile Facilities; to connect youth with resources and opportunities upon their reentry into the community; and to inspire and motivate youth committed to the Division of Juvenile Facilities to plan and pursue a positive life.
(c)
When determining whether to grant an honorable discharge to a person who petitions the board pursuant to Section 1178, the board shall consider, but is not limited to, both of the following:
(1)
The petitioner’s offense history, if any, while the petitioner was under the jurisdiction of the Division of Juvenile Facilities, or during or after completion of local probation supervision.
(2)
Efforts made by the petitioner
toward successful community reintegration, including employment history, educational achievements or progress toward obtaining a degree, vocational training, volunteer work, community engagement, positive peer and familial relationships, and any other relevant indicators of successful reentry and rehabilitation.
(d)
The board shall promulgate regulations setting forth the criteria for the award of an honorable discharge.
(e)
The board shall promote the purposes of an honorable discharge designation and communicate the success of recipients of honorable discharge to youth currently committed to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Facilities.
(f)
The board shall inform youth about the
opportunity to earn an honorable discharge at initial case reviews, annual reviews, and discharge consideration hearings.
(g)
The board may collaborate with public, private, and nonprofit organizations to assist youth in the fulfillment of the criteria described in subdivision (d) and in the completion of a petition for an honorable discharge.
