Mendocino County Grand Jury • 2006-2007

Mendocino County Juvenile Hall May 3, 2007

Published: May 03, 2007 2 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 23 findings

F1
The staff consists of: one Superintendent, four Supervising Correctional Officers, 22 Correctional Officers, one Licensed Vocational Nurse, one Mental Health Clinician, and five staff who are employed in the kitchen.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
budgeted staff not be reduced. (Finding 1-2)
F2
There are six unfilled Correctional Officer positions.
Related Recommendations (3)
R1
a study be made to determine suitable wages. (Findings 2-3)
R2
the six vacant staff positions be filled. (Finding 2-3)
R3
budgeted staff not be reduced. (Finding 1-2)
F3
It is difficult filling these positions due to low pay and a lack of qualified applicants. Most failing applicants are unable to pass the background investigation.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
a study be made to determine suitable wages. (Findings 2-3)
R2
the six vacant staff positions be filled. (Finding 2-3)
F4
The maximum capacity for the facility is 43 youths, on average there are 27 to 35.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
All youths fill out a health questionnaire and receive a physical, which includes a TB test.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
Older or violent youths are separated from the younger ones.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
Males and females are housed separately; however, they attend school and outdoor recreation activities together.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
Individual gangs are not segregated. The facility has zero tolerance for any gang activity, including graffiti.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
All youths are given an orientation on acceptable behavior each time they are incarcerated. There is a “step program”, whereby all youths can advance from an entrance step level of zero, and earn additional privileges by achieving steps one and two.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
Good behavior is rewarded with activities that include “in-house field trips”, gardening and yard work. Magazines, posters, CD’s, books, TV, and telephone privileges are also provided.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
Eighty percent (80%) of the youths are repeat offenders and of these 75% exhibit unacceptable behavior.
No recommendations for this finding
F12
Youths with mental health and/or behavioral issues require approximately 85% of the Correctional Officers’ time.
No recommendations for this finding
F13
Seventy five percent (75%) of the youths have substance abuse problems.
No recommendations for this finding
F14
Special diets are available for any youth who requires it; diabetic and low fat diets are two examples. The menu is varied throughout a six-week cycle.
No recommendations for this finding
F15
The contracting phone company transfers some of the money they receive from collect call charges to the MCJH. This money is used for recreational and entertainment purposes for the youths.
No recommendations for this finding
F16
MCJH provides rehabilitation of youths through counseling, life skills and parenting classes, and Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous programs. Religious services are available for those who wish to attend.
No recommendations for this finding
F17
Year-around school is mandatory.
No recommendations for this finding
F18
Video observation and security are maintained for doors and common areas throughout the facility at all times.
No recommendations for this finding
F19
At night, individual cells are visually checked every fifteen minutes.
No recommendations for this finding
F20
Maintenance is provided by the General Services Agency on a priority basis.
No recommendations for this finding
F21
The maximum sentence at Juvenile Hall is one year.
No recommendations for this finding
F22
MCJH had a County funded juvenile work program which was discontinued in 2003.
Related Recommendations (2)
R4
the juvenile work program be reinstated. (Finding 22)
R5
asset forfeiture monies be utilized to fund the first year of a juvenile work program. (Findings 22-23) Response Required Mendocino County Juvenile Hall (Findings 1-22; Recommendations 1-5) Board of Supervisors (Finding 22-23; Recommendations 1, 3-5) Mendocino County Juvenile Probation (Finding 21; Recommendation 4-5)
F23
Asset Forfeiture funds can be used to fund the juvenile work program for one year.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
asset forfeiture monies be utilized to fund the first year of a juvenile work program. (Findings 22-23) Response Required Mendocino County Juvenile Hall (Findings 1-22; Recommendations 1-5) Board of Supervisors (Finding 22-23; Recommendations 1, 3-5) Mendocino County Juvenile Probation (Finding 21; Recommendation 4-5)

No Responses Found 1

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.

Mendocino County County