Barry J. Nidorf Secure Youth Treatment Facility

As of May 1st, 2025, established in 1965 as Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall (BJNJH), the facility housed pre-dispositioned youth and high-risk offenders in northeast Los Angeles County. On July 17, 2023, it transitioned to the Barry J. Nidorf Secure Youth Treatment Facility (BJN-SYTF) following Senate Bill 823, which closed the state’s Division of Juvenile Justice. This shift allows high risk youth to be rehabilitated locally under juvenile court jurisdiction. BJN-SYTF focuses on rehabilitation, offering programs to help youth develop skills, complete their treatment, and reintegrate into society successfully.

BJN-SYTF offers educational, therapeutic, and vocational programs to support youth rehabilitation, including:

  • Education: High school and college courses
  • Arts & Culture: Visual arts, music, and performance
  • Vocational Training: Job preparation
  • Life Skills: Essential skills for success
  • Mentorship: ARC’s Credible Messenger Program
  • Therapy: ARC groups, drug treatment, HDA classes, DBT
  • Rehabilitation: Homeboy Arts Academy, ICYOLA, Michael’s Daughter Project
  • Religious Services: Bible studies
  • Physical Activities: Swans Within, outdoor exercise
  • Creative Programs: Writing, Paws for Life, Boyle Heights Art
  • Community Events: Holiday celebrations, graduations, milestones

The Developmental Stage System (DSS)
A core component of the BJN-SYTF’s rehabilitation approach is the Developmental Stage System (DSS). The DSS is a task-based system guiding youth through skill-building, behavioral change, and progress tracking. Integrated with evidence-based programs like Interactive Journaling and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), it promotes self-reflection, positive habits, and coping strategies. The system adapts to individual needs, holding youth accountable while supporting lasting personal growth.

The Barry J. Nidorf Secure Youth Treatment Facility represents a significant evolution in the care and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. By offering a holistic approach that combines education, therapy, vocational training, mentorship, and behavior management, BJN-SYTF is committed to preparing young adults for a successful transition back into society. With its comprehensive programs and evidence-based treatment, the facility continues to play a critical role in supporting the development of at-risk youth, helping them build a brighter future.