Los Angeles County's juvenile detention facilities have come under fire after the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) deemed them unsuitable. The oversight body's recent findings echo concerns from the Probation Oversight Commission (POC) regarding the conditions in which young inmates are held. Eduardo Mundo, Chair of the POC, expressed dissatisfaction, "The findings of unsuitability at Barry J. Nidorf SYTF and Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall are devastating for the youth and staff in these facilities who deserve much more from us than the minimum legal standards," as mentioned in a POC statement.
The POC, which has been monitoring the situation, revealed its skepticism over the LA County Probation Department's ability to meet standards after repeated noncompliance findings since August 2023. Despite some improvement, the POC has had to use its power to direct the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to issue subpoenas during their February meeting, reflecting concerns over whether the Department had reached compliance, with much work remaining to be done.
Following the BSCC's judgment, Wendelyn Julien, Executive Director of the POC, commented on the necessity for the Probation Department to increase its cooperation with oversight entities. "Moving forward, I hope the Probation Department will see this decision as a mandate to embrace oversight internally and externally," Julien stated according to a bulletin from the POC, emphasizing the role of transparency and accountability in cultivating better outcomes.
In the next 60 days, the POC urges the Probation Department to work with county and community partners, including themselves to come into compliance, significantly reduce the population at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, and develop a plan to move youth with minimal trauma. These steps are critical to protect approximately 340 youth in the two facilities, keeping them close to their families.
Members of the public concerned about the situation or wishing to provide feedback have been directed to contact the POC via their email address. The POC also invites the public to participate in their next meeting on March 14th to discuss the ongoing issues. For more information or to reach out to the POC, details can be found on their website.
