LA County Probation Officials Want to Close More Juvenile Facilities, Shuffle Youth
Plan Aims to Reform Youth Justice System
Los Angeles County probation officials have proposed a plan to close more juvenile facilities and shuffle youth to other locations, a move that has sparked controversy and raised concerns among advocates for youth justice reform.
Campus Kilpatrick to be Empty
The most controversial part of the plan would empty Campus Kilpatrick, a facility in the Santa Monica Mountains often touted for its successes. The plan would relocate the 250 youth currently housed at the facility to other sites, including a newly renovated facility in Sylmar and a yet-to-be-built campus in the Antelope Valley.
Other Changes Proposed
In addition to closing Campus Kilpatrick, the plan would also:
- Relocate 50 youth from the Los Angeles Metropolitan Detention Center to the Sylmar facility
- Increase the number of youth placed in community-based programs, such as group homes and foster care
- Enhance mental health and substance abuse treatment services for youth in the system
Advocates Criticize Plan
Advocates for youth justice reform have criticized the plan, arguing that it will harm rather than help the youth in the system. "This plan is a step backward for youth in the system," said Sarah Johnson, executive director of the Youth Justice Coalition. "It’s a shame to see the county abandoning a facility that has been successful and instead opting for a cookie-cutter approach that doesn’t focus on the unique needs of each youth."
Conclusion
The plan is still in the proposal stage and has not yet been finalized. However, it has already sparked a heated debate among local officials, advocates, and community members. As the county continues to weigh the pros and cons of the plan, one thing is clear: the fate of the youth in the system hangs in the balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the plan?
- The plan aims to reform the youth justice system by closing underutilized facilities and relocating youth to more effective and efficient programs.
- What is the current status of the plan?
- The plan is still in the proposal stage and has not yet been finalized.
- What are the concerns of advocates for youth justice reform?
- Advocates argue that the plan will harm rather than help the youth in the system, and that it does not address the unique needs of each youth.
- What is the timeline for implementation of the plan?
- The exact timeline for implementation is unclear, but officials are expected to make a decision in the coming months.
