Los Angeles County supervisors approved a motion to declare a state of emergency at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, citing insufficient staffing and other problems. The declaration authorizes the Probation Department to hire or move staff and offer incentives.
If you're enjoying this article, you'll love our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Each weekday, catch up on the 5 most pressing stories to start your morning in 3 minutes or less. Los Angeles County supervisors on Tuesday approved a motion to declare a state of emergency at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, which state authorities have said was unsuitable to house youths because of insufficient staffing and other problems.
The Board of State and Community Corrections said low staffing was leading to youths being kept in rooms too long, missing medical appointments and outdoor recreation time.“It’s not about the physical location or the facility,” Supervisor Kathryn Barger told reporters at a Tuesday news conference. “The biggest issue continues to be staffing.”
But many who spoke during the public comment period at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday said the declaration was a step in the wrong direction. Dozens of criminal justice reform activists with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, the Youth Justice Coalition and other groups spoke against the motion.“In this motion we’re trying to give Probation more power,” Shipp said.
Calls for bringing on qualified California peace officers and recent law-enforcement retirees to work with the Probation Department, offering sign-on bonuses of $24,000 or other bonuses to those who make the move.In a recent letter to the Probation Department, the state board said a re-inspection of Los Padrinos this month found that of 45 shifts reviewed, 24% did not meet the department’s required minimum staffing.
The state board has called a special meeting Wednesday to discuss the situation, but it’s unclear what enforcement actions, if any, the body can take.
Juvenile Justice Los Angeles County Emergency Declaration Staffing Shortages Probation Department
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