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About Oregon Youth Authority

We protect the public and keep communities safe.

As part of Oregon’s juvenile justice system, we hold youth accountable and provide them with opportunities for reformation, either on parole or probation in the community, or inside secure facilities. 

We are responsible for youth ages 12 to 24 who commit crimes before age 18. We serve youth who are unsuccessful at the county level, who need more services than the county can provide, or who commit very serious crimes.

We believe youth can change, and we provide them the means to do so.

Research shows the human brain continues developing until at least our mid-20s, impacting judgment and decision-making for adolescents.

We provide youth with treatment, education, and other guidance to help them take responsibility for their behavior and learn how to act differently in the future. We do this in safe, supportive environments that will help them become responsible, community-minded citizens.

Ways We Serve Youth

Community Supervision

The majority of our youth are in community settings. Supervised by juvenile parole and probation officers, these youth live at home or in a variety of placements, including:

Close-Custody Facilities

OYA runs five youth correctional facilities and four youth transitional facilities statewide. Learn more about our facilities.

Services for Rehabilitation

We provide or connect youth with the services and support they need, including: