Juvenile Detention (I)

Findings & Recommendations

Response

Actions Completed

Actions Pending

Findings and Recommendations 1 - 4

Accepted the responses of the Probation Department. BOS

1. Juvenile Facilities are well managed.

Pleased with this finding. P

2. SMJH is not large enough. Increase to approximately 80 beds. BOS should provide funding.

The SMJH remains too small and exceeded its 20 bed capacity on 102 of the first 145 days in 1996. Overcrowding causes more detainee fighting, potential danger of violent/sexual assault, less opportunity for schooling and increased stress on staff members. Overcrowding also requires large numbers of minors to be transported south to the SBJH for holding. The results of the Jay Farbstein Master Plan document a need for a larger juvenile hall for north county. We are hopeful for a successful (bond) measure to provide funding . P

Proposition 205 was defeated in the November 1996 election.

3. The staffing of two at SMJH is inadequate. A minimum of three people should be on duty during the evening shift.

Minimum standards for Juvenile Halls, Calif. Code is being met with two staff. If additional funding is available, priority would be given to hiring an officer responsible for transportation. Another priority would be an officer for Home Supervision. P

4. At Los Prietos, detainees with communicable diseases should be separated from the other detainees in a separate facility.

Dr. Edelstein, the camp physician, does not agree that a separate facility is necessary. Juveniles can always be moved to their homes or isolation rooms at Juvenile Hall. The Camp has received its bi-annual accreditation from the California Medical Association in 1993 & 1995. P