The Kern Crossroads Facility is a secure residential facility with an operational capacity of 120 beds. It was created to provide a local facility option for youth male offenders, ages 14-18, in lieu of a Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) commitment.

The rehabilitative function of the Kern Crossroads Facility relies on a program design that includes evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy, incentives, education, work experience, vocational training, physical education, group living and a behavioral health counseling component. Youth attend school and participate in vocational/work programs and/or counseling when not in the classroom. The custody portion of the program is a two-tiered, 168-day or 252-day program.

Youth attend Redwood High School, 270 minutes a day, operated by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools. The school program consists of math, English, language arts, fine arts, science, and social studies, and is designed to meet the student’s individual academic needs. Redwood High School has a Learning Center that provides additional support to our special education students in subjects identified in their Individual Education Plan (IEP). The Kern County Superintendent of Schools offers several vocational classes. A construction class is offered where students can earn OSHA certifications through the use of a forklift simulator. The Construction Class teaches youth skills in the plumbing, electrical, and carpentry trades. A culinary workshop class is offered with ServSafe certification. Other vocational classes currently offered are a Cell Tower Technician Safety Certification and Solar Energy Workshop. Classes in development for future participation are small engine workshop, tile laying workshop, a welding fabrication class via virtual welders silk-screening & entrepreneurship lab, and a mobile food/concession trailer operated by youth. Many of these classes utilize Kern County Superintendent of Schools employees as well as Probation Department employees.

Crossroads contracts with Phoenix House to provide Mental Health Programming. Phoenix House currently provides three evidence based cognitive behavioral groups which include Aggression Replacement Training (ART), Thinking for a Change (T4C) and Strengthening Families. Phoenix House also provides “Stages of Change”, which is recognized as a Best Practice in Substance Abuse Counseling. Further, 24/7 Dad is offered to all youth with children. This evidence-based program is focused on parenting skills, children’s life skills and family life. Choices and Changes is also available. Youth in Choices and Changes focus on a variety of topics that help them evaluate their behavior and make pro-social choices. All youth are placed in groups based on results of an evidence-based risk assessment tool that is reviewed at an initial classification and assessment meeting attended by collaborative agencies involved in the youth’s treatment program.