LA County establishes new agency to support youth in juvenile detention facilities.

Los Angeles County is redirecting the management of educational and recreational programs within its juvenile detention facilities from the Probation Department to the newly established Department of Youth Development (DYD). This decision, taken unanimously by the Board of Supervisors on April 7, signifies a pivotal shift in the county’s approach to juvenile justice, one that aims to ultimately transfer all juvenile detention responsibilities to the DYD.

The Probation Department has struggled to meet the standards set forth by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), leading to scrutiny and concerns about its effectiveness. The department is currently under the threat of having its facilities placed under state receivership due to ongoing compliance issues. Over the years, these challenges have hindered the delivery of consistent and high-quality programming for youths in detention, as noted by Board members Lindsey Horvath and Janice Hahn.

In their motion, the supervisors emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive transition plan, which is expected from the DYD within 30 days. This plan is to detail the organizational leadership changes necessary for the effective implementation of programming responsibilities across all youth justice facilities. Youth at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall have expressed a desire for enhanced access to vocational training, financial literacy courses, and artistic programs.

The establishment of the DYD in 2022 marked a significant step toward realizing the Board’s “Youth Justice Reimagined” initiative, aimed at replacing traditional juvenile halls and camps with smaller, family-like facilities. Effective execution of this vision will require legislative changes, particularly regarding the legal framework that currently mandates juvenile supervision by a chief probation officer.

DYD Director David Carroll has indicated that the department is prepared to expand its role and enhance existing programs. Carroll estimates that an additional .8 million will be necessary to hire specialized staff, termed care coordinators, who will provide individualized plans for each youth, ensuring a more tailored support system throughout their detention period.

Despite improvements in staffing levels at the Probation Department, challenges remain. Chief Guillermo Viera Rosa acknowledged that while current staffing is no longer critically low, many officers are being redeployed from other duties to maintain operational efficiency. He noted that collaboration with other departments is necessary for fulfilling the demands of juvenile facilities.

The ongoing restructuring comes amid repeated criticism from state regulators regarding inadequate programming services, prompting actions to enhance oversight and accountability within the system. The upcoming report from DYD will also assess state and federal funding sources necessary for sustaining these programs, particularly since some existing funds are tied exclusively to the Probation Department.

As Los Angeles County navigates this transition, stakeholders are hopeful that empowering the DYD will lead to significant improvements in the quality of care and opportunities for justice-involved youth.