Peer mentoring program helps prepare Oregon’s incarcerated youth for life on the outside

Josefina, 22, is one of seven graduates in Oregon Youth Authority’s peer mentoring pilot program. The program gives her state certification and gives her the opportunity to mentor other youth while incarcerated. (Aubrey Wieber/Salem Reporter)

Editor’s note: Youth in this story are identified by their first names only at the request of the Oregon Youth Authority.

ALBANY — When Josefina walked into Oak Creek Youth Correctional Facility five and a half years ago, she was…