Kern County Supervisors Proclaim 'Second Chance' Month

Program aims to unlock opportunities for housing, employment, and education for young offenders.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:03am

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A solitary figure sitting on a park bench, surrounded by warm light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of contemplation and the search for a new beginning.A thoughtful young man contemplates his path forward after facing the challenges of the criminal justice system, a scene that captures the essence of the 'Second Chance' program.Bakersfield Today

The Kern County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed April as 'Second Chance' month, part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness about barriers facing teenage Americans with criminal records. The proclamation focuses on reducing recidivism by expunging the criminal records of young offenders with court approval and providing resources for housing, transportation, and jobs.

Why it matters

This initiative highlights the challenges that formerly incarcerated youth face in reintegrating into their communities and accessing opportunities. By addressing these barriers, the program aims to break the cycle of recidivism and give young people a fresh start.

The details

The proclamation was attended by Jaubrae Dixon, who was incarcerated at age 17 for a gun charge and now mentors other young adults in similar situations. Dixon emphasized the need for more resources and collaboration to truly support those seeking a second chance.

  • The Kern County Board of Supervisors made the proclamation on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • Dixon was incarcerated for nearly a decade starting at age 17.

The players

Jaubrae Dixon

A formerly incarcerated young adult who now mentors other youth and advocated for the 'Second Chance' month proclamation.

Nicholas Miller

A young adult who was in the juvenile justice system since age 13 and has benefited from programs like the one Dixon is involved with.

Alekxia Torees Stallings

An advocate who attended the supervisors' meeting to support the 'Second Chance' month proclamation.

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What they’re saying

“'I've been in the juvenile justice system since I was 13. All I knew was the streets and gangbanging because I was uneducated.'”

— Nicholas Miller

“'By the grace of God, you know, through that experience, I was able to change my life. And so, to come home for the last two years and dedicate my life to being a part of the solution in the same way that I was once part of the problem.'”

— Jaubrae Dixon

“'The resources aren't in place, housing, transportation, jobs, and I think that, you know, Kern County, Bakersfield, moving in the right direction and having proclamations and partnering and collaborate. And I think that both in the writing, the resources, applying this proclamation, I think that would be the big step that we look forward to.'”

— Jaubrae Dixon

What’s next

The Kern County Board of Supervisors will work to implement the 'Second Chance' month proclamation by partnering with local organizations and allocating resources for housing, transportation, and job opportunities for formerly incarcerated youth.

The takeaway

This initiative in Kern County highlights the importance of providing support and resources for young people with criminal records, helping them reintegrate into their communities and break the cycle of recidivism. By addressing the barriers they face, programs like this can give these individuals a true second chance at success.