Annual Report On Jails And California Juvenile Detention Facilities*

R1

The Orange County Probation Department should determine the feasibility of constructing a gym at Juvenile Hall which could also be used as a visiting center and chapel. (F.1.) Probation's Response: The recommendation has been implemented. An architect has drawn up a schematic site plan for the construction of a gymnasium/ visiting center. The funding to move forward with the project is not present at this point, however, the Probation Department will continue to watch for state construction grants or other means of potential funding.

R2

The Probation Department should prioritize the addition of an infirmary with a negative pressure room at Juvenile Hall. (F.2.) Probation's Response: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable. While Probation agrees with the benefits of an infirmary, the lack of funding for such a project prohibits progress towards completion. Probation will, however, continue to vigilantly watch for construction grants or other funding sources. Should funding become available, Probation is in favor of proceeding with development of an infirmary.

R3

The Probation Department should update antiquated video surveillance to a more advanced digital system at all four juvenile detention and treatment facilities. (F.3.) Probation's and Board of Supervisors' Response: The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. The scope of work for a video upgrade at Juvenile Hall and Youth Leadership Academy is underway, and funding is in place to proceed with the upgrade. The project should reach substantial completion in fiscal year 14/15.

R4

The Probation Department should add a full-time school administrator at the Joplin Youth Center (F.4.) Probation's Response: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable. While the Probation Department agrees with the benefits of a full time school administrator, and has made this known to the OC Department of Education (OCDE), Probation does not have the ability to dictate OCDE's placement of resources.

R5

The Probation Department should establish a budget to reinstate the Transitional Deputy Probation Officer. (F.5.) Probation's and Board of Supervisors' Response: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable. Probation and the Board of Supervisors do not dispute the benefits of having a transitional DPO assigned to Joplin, however, current budget realities have called for a redeployment of assets to areas of greater need in community supervision. Attachment B Response to Orange County Grand Jury Report "Annual Report On Jails And Juvenile Detention Facilities"

R6

The Probation Department should establish a budget for the addition of mental health and substance abuse services. (F.6.) Probation's and Board of Supervisors' Response: The recommendation has been implemented. The Probation Department has provided these services to incarcerated youth for decades, and has recently contracted with the OCDE for expansion of mental health and substance abuse services following the RFP process. The OCDE is providing 11 full time employees for these services to in-custody youth, beginning this fiscal year. Further, the Orange County Health Care Agency continues to provide mental health and substance abuse programming for our youth.

R7

The Probation Department should conduct a study to determine if program benefits would be enhanced by longer terms of residence beyond the typical 90 days. (F.7.) Probation's Response: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable. Although longer sentences would allow some minors to complete more programming, the negative effects would outweigh those benefits. Studies already exist which demonstrate this. Fortunately, the same type of programming exists outside of custody. The Probation Department can, and does, enforce attendance at the same programs out of custody for individuals on probation.

R8

The Probation Department should determine if the Youth Leadership Academy has the need to explore additional ways to connect youth with services while in custody that will transition them back into the community and assist their family. (F.8.) Probation's Response: The recommendation has been implemented. The Probation Department continually assesses the resources that exist in the community, and refers minors upon their release.

R9

The Probation Department should determine the possibility of additional post release programs with more probation officers to supervise these programs. (F.9.) Probation's Response: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable. Probation will continue to seek out additional programming resources to assist in offender rehabilitation. However, offenders are better served when programs are staffed with mental health and substance abuse professionals, rather than probation officers.