In July 2021, the APEX (Achievement, Perseverance, and Excellence) Academy was opened within the Kern Crossroads Facility, as a result of SB 823. APEX is a 40-bed housing unit that will house youth age 14-25, whose most recent adjudicated offense is described in WIC 707(b) and is defined under WIC 1990(b).

These youth have been realigned from the state Division of Juvenile Justice or who would otherwise be eligible for commitment to the Division of Juvenile Justice prior to its closure. These youth will be serving longer commitments, in some cases, several years.

They will be afforded the same opportunities as youth committed to the Kern Crossroads program. Additional educational, vocational, and personal needs associated with maturity and length of commitment are continually being developed as well.