Score: +24 (24/2/0)
Mendocino County Grand Jury • 2010-2011

Better Than Some Homes a Report on Mendocino County Juvenile Hall May 5, 2011

Published: May 05, 2011 3 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 25 findings

F1
The total correctional staff consists of 27 allocated positions, seven of which were vacant at the time of the GJ visit. Staff is multi-racial, and four are bilingual.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
State mandated staffing ratios be maintained at all times, (Findings 1-2, 4)
F2
The seven vacant full time Correctional Counselor positions are being covered by nine extra-help, part-time employees. 1
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
State mandated staffing ratios be maintained at all times, (Findings 1-2, 4)
F3
The maximum capacity of the facility is 43, but is considered full with 40 youth. On November 18, 2010, there were 23 youth incarcerated; 18 males and five females. Between January and October 2010, the average daily population was 29 youth.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
Adequate staffing is mandated by the State at a ratio of one Correctional Counselor for 10 juveniles for the day and swing shift. Graveyard shift is one Supervisor Correctional Counselor for 30 juveniles. One male and one female Correctional Counselor must be on the premises at all times.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
Title 15 mandates all youth respond to a medical and mental screening health questionnaire and receive a physical examination, including a tuberculosis test, within 96 hours of admission.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
All youth are given an orientation on acceptable behavior and the parameters of the Step Program. The Step Program rewards good behavior with extra privileges.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
The facility is divided into three units: Unit A for females, Unit B for males, and Unit C for older or violent wards and those charged with serious crimes.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
Unit C is fully self-contained; it is a high security area with its own classroom, showers, exercise room, and dining area.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
Males and females in Units A and B attend school and eat at the same time, seated at separate tables in the dining room.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
Video observation and security are maintained for doors and common areas at all times; at night, individual cells are visually checked every 15 minutes or more often if needed.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
The average length of stay is 15 days; the reimbursable cost at $20 per day with a maximum of $800 per stay is billed to the parents on a sliding scale, and collected through the courts.
No recommendations for this finding
F12
The maximum sentence at MCJH is one year; the stay can be longer for an un- sentenced youth.
No recommendations for this finding
F13
When a youth is charged as an adult, he/she is entitled to bail and will be housed at the Juvenile Hall until court proceedings are finalized or until the age of 18.
No recommendations for this finding
F14
The majority of youth has substance abuse issues. Frequently, they are repeat offenders.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Mental Health Services and substance abuse counseling resources be provided on a full time basis to incarcerated youth to reduce recidivism. (Findings 14-17)
F15
Approximately 30% of the youth have behavioral problems and require 75% of staff time. There is zero tolerance for anything gang related.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Mental Health Services and substance abuse counseling resources be provided on a full time basis to incarcerated youth to reduce recidivism. (Findings 14-17)
F16
The recidivism rate for new crimes, not probation violations, ranges from 10% to 15%.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Mental Health Services and substance abuse counseling resources be provided on a full time basis to incarcerated youth to reduce recidivism. (Findings 14-17)
F17
Mendocino County Probation Department (MCPD) works closely with MCJH, developing a plan, which includes parents, to reduce the recidivism rate among incarcerated youth.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Mental Health Services and substance abuse counseling resources be provided on a full time basis to incarcerated youth to reduce recidivism. (Findings 14-17)
F18
The Mendocino County Office of Education provides full time teachers and a Special Education Resource Aide for MCJH, as per Title 15. Year round school is mandatory and youth can obtain a G.E.D., a high school diploma, and earn college credits.
No recommendations for this finding
F19
Title 15 requires a minimal recreation allowance of three hours on school days and five hours on non-school days. Recreation can be either indoors or outdoors and is offered equally to both genders.
No recommendations for this finding
F20
A Physician or Physician’s Assistant is available on call 24/7. Medical costs may be reimbursed by Medi-Cal or private insurance. Mental Health Services are provided by Mendocino County Youth Project. 2
No recommendations for this finding
F21
The kitchen was found to be clean and sanitary. A Dietician prepares a rotating six week menu, and special diets are available. New diet guidelines have reduced the amount of table salt, sugar, and calories. Homemade bread is provided by Mendocino County Jail; all meals are prepared on site.
No recommendations for this finding
F22
Food costs are supplemented by Federal and State Free and Reduced Meal Programs, seven days a week.
No recommendations for this finding
F23
MCJH has a garden area in the spring and summer; vegetables are harvested to be used for their meals.
No recommendations for this finding
F24
Visitation is on Saturdays, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., meeting Title 15 requirements.
No recommendations for this finding
F25
Media reports that California may close Juvenile State facilities.
No recommendations for this finding

Agency Responses 5

Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.