The Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development has launched "LA Youth: Know Your Rights," a countywide education campaign that gives young people tools to understand and exercise their rights during protests, walkouts and encounters with law enforcement, school security or immigration authorities.
The campaign stems from a July 2025 motion, "Empowering Youth Through Know Your Rights Education for Civic Engagement," authored by Supervisors Hilda Solis and Janice Hahn. It responds to concerns about marginalized youth amid heightened immigration enforcement, ICE raids and the "No Kings" movement.
"DYD's core mission is to transition away from punishment-centered systems and instead invest deeply in care, opportunity, and youth-led empowerment," said DYD Director David J. Carroll. "This campaign meets young leaders exactly where they are — in community spaces, and online."
"As families continue to navigate fear, uncertainty and shifting federal policies, it is critical that young people have the information they need to stay safe and informed," said Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. She said the toolkit reflects the county's commitment to equipping young Angelenos to understand their constitutional rights and remain civically engaged.
Hahn said the campaign would help young people stand up for their communities and "make it home safely."
A focal point is the KYR Youth Toolkit, a digitally accessible guide offering advice on protesting safely and understanding First Amendment rights; knowing what to do if stopped by police, school security or federal immigration agents; and legal protections, emergency planning and local resources for undocumented and mixed-status youth and families.
"Young people shouldn't have to learn about their rights the hard way," said Public Defender Ricardo Garcia. "Knowing your rights isn't just about knowing the law, it's about knowing your power."
The campaign included five youth workshops held across all county regions in summer 2026, a collaboration among DYD, the Public Defender's Office, the Alternate Public Defender's Office and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. The workshops trained 144 youth on their constitutional rights during protests, walkouts and law enforcement encounters.
Young people, educators, parents and advocates can access the toolkit and connect with free legal and immigrant support resources at dyd.lacounty.gov/kyr.
Edited by SMDP Staff