Youth-centered toolkit helps young people understand their rights, participate in civic action and communicate their views safely, clearly and effectively
LOS ANGELES, CA — Young people across Los Angeles County are speaking up, organizing and shaping the future of their communities. To help them do so safely, clearly and with confidence, the Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development (DYD) today launched “LA Youth: Know Your Rights,” a countywide education campaign that gives youth practical tools to understand and exercise their rights during protests, walkouts and encounters with law enforcement, school security or immigration authorities.
“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. True youth development means providing educational resources and protective guardrails that allow young people to shape their communities safely and confidently.”
Born out of the July 2025 Empowering Youth Through Know Your Rights Education for Civic Engagement motion authored by County Supervisors Hilda Solis and Janice Hahn, the campaign addresses a critical need to empower marginalized youth in the wake of heightened immigration enforcement, ICE raids, the “No Kings” movement, and other national and local policies that continue to affect the safety of immigrant communities.
“In the face of ongoing aggressive immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, our youth have shown remarkable courage and an unwavering commitment to defending the rights of our communities,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “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. This toolkit reflects our commitment to standing with young Angelenos by equipping them with the tools and information to understand their constitutional rights, protect themselves and remain civically engaged.”
“I’m inspired by the passion for justice and desire to be heard that young people across LA County have shown,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “This campaign about their legal and First Amendment rights is going to equip them to stand up for their communities and make it home safely. By teaching young people how to safely navigate their interactions with law enforcement and immigration officials, we can ensure their voices are both powerful and protected.”
A focal point of the campaign is the newly released KYR Youth Toolkit, a youth-friendly, digitally accessible guide with tips and information designed to clarify the boundaries of civic engagement. The toolkit provides practical, real-world advice on:
- Protesting safely and understanding your First Amendment rights.
- Knowing what to do if stopped by police, school security, or federal immigration agents.
- Legal protections, emergency planning, and local resources available for undocumented and mixed-status youth and families.
“Young people shouldn’t have to learn about their rights the hard way,” said Los Angeles County Public Defender Ricardo Garcia. “Everyone deserves to know how the legal system works, how to protect themselves, and how to speak up. That’s why this partnership matters. By bringing legal education into our communities and giving young people practical tools, we’re helping them navigate systems that can impact their lives and giving them the confidence to ask questions and make their voices heard. Knowing your rights isn’t just about knowing the law, it’s about knowing your power.”
The campaign also included a series of five direct-engagement youth workshops held across all county regions in the summer of 2026. This collaboration between the Department of Youth Development (DYD), the Public Defender’s Office (PD), the Alternate Public Defender’s Office (APD), and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) provided hands-on, community-based training to 144 youth regarding their constitutional rights during protests, walkouts, and law enforcement encounters. DYD providers were also trained on youth civic rights to strengthen their capacity to serve youth and integrate the campaign into their existing programming.
“Young people are not just the future of our democracy, they are shaping it today” said Kathia Garcia, Youth Programs Manager, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA). “By ensuring they understand their civic engagement rights and have access to trusted adults who can support them, we are building stronger, more engaged communities. We are proud to partner with the Department of Youth Development to expand access to Know Your Rights education and empower the next generation of community leaders.”
“At the Alternate Public Defender’s Office, we know how important it is for people to understand their rights,” said Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender Erika Anzoategui. “We are grateful for this partnership and the opportunity to provide young people with practical information about their rights before they need it. When young people know their rights, they will be empowered to speak up, participate in their communities, and advocate for what matters to them in a safe way.”
Young people, educators, parents, community advocates, and allies can access the Know Your Rights Youth Toolkit and connect with free legal and immigrant support resources at dyd.lacounty.gov/kyr.
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