Los Angeles County Declares Local Emergency Over Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed a local emergency over Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey, citing operational issues and staffing shortages.
Background
Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall was reopened last year to house detainees relocated from Central Juvenile Hall in Boyle Heights and Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar, which were both ordered closed by the state.
Operational Issues
Since its reopening, Los Padrinos has suffered from short staffing, allegations of violence among detainees, and escape attempts. In October, the Board of State and Community Corrections deemed the facility unsuitable to house youth and gave the county a December 12 deadline to correct staffing deficiencies or close the facility.
Recent Developments
A recent follow-up inspection by the BSCC found that the problems were persisting, and the closure deadline remained in place. Despite this, the county has continued to operate the facility, citing a lack of alternative options for housing youth detainees.
County Response
The county has responded to the situation by proclaiming a local emergency and instructing attorneys and staff to pursue all remedies to keep the facility open. The declaration also calls for a series of actions aimed at bolstering staffing at the facility, including examining alternative detention options for youth detainees accused of lesser, non-violent offenses.
Alternative Options
The Probation Department will explore options such as release to community-based step-down facilities or to their homes with appropriate monitoring for youth detainees accused of lesser, non-violent offenses.
Conclusion
The situation at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall highlights the need for effective solutions to address the operational issues and staffing shortages plaguing the facility. The county’s decision to proclaim a local emergency and explore alternative options is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of the youth detained at the facility.
FAQs
Q: Why was Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall reopened?
A: Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall was reopened to house detainees relocated from Central Juvenile Hall in Boyle Heights and Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar, which were both ordered closed by the state.
Q: What are the operational issues at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall?
A: The facility has suffered from short staffing, allegations of violence among detainees, and escape attempts.
Q: What is the county’s response to the situation?
A: The county has proclaimed a local emergency and is instructing attorneys and staff to pursue all remedies to keep the facility open. The declaration also calls for a series of actions aimed at bolstering staffing at the facility, including examining alternative detention options for youth detainees accused of lesser, non-violent offenses.
Q: What are the alternative options being explored for youth detainees?
A: The Probation Department will explore options such as release to community-based step-down facilities or to their homes with appropriate monitoring for youth detainees accused of lesser, non-violent offenses.
