⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 21 findings
F1
According to its mission statement, the primary objective of this facility is to rehabilitate, that is to “provide a safe, drug free program that helps youth meet their social and educational dreams. Its goal is to guide treatment that will help youth strengthen the community and build stronger families.” This Youth Center was not meant to be simply a detention facility that houses youth offenders. Financial
No recommendations for this finding
F2
There were nine escapees from the facility during the calendar year 2008. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the average cost relating to capturing escapees is over $1500 per hour. The only fences on the property are intended to keep the animals from roaming. There are no security fences along the perimeter of the Youth Center to prevent youth offenders from simply walking away.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
With the goal of closing the Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Center, conduct a feasibility study and develop an exit strategy. Both objectives shall be accomplished The feasibility study will determine how the Youth Center population can be integrated into the Martinez Juvenile Hall, and what cost savings would be realized.
F3
The maximum capacity of the Youth Center is 100 youths. The new state-of-the-art Juvenile Hall in Martinez has the capacity, with alterations, to absorb all of the youths now housed at the Youth Center at a cost savings to the County.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
With the goal of closing the Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Center, conduct a feasibility study and develop an exit strategy. Both objectives shall be accomplished The feasibility study will determine how the Youth Center population can be integrated into the Martinez Juvenile Hall, and what cost savings would be realized.
F4
Based on its 2007-2008 Expenditure Ledger, the gross annual savings to the County resulting from the closure of the Youth Center would be about $6.2 million dollars. The Grand Jury estimates there will be variable cost increases that should not exceed $1.2 million dollars to house the reassigned youth in the Martinez Juvenile facility, leaving a projected net savings to the County of $5.0 million dollars. Facility and Grounds Kitchen:
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
With the goal of closing the Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Center, conduct a feasibility study and develop an exit strategy. Both objectives shall be accomplished The feasibility study will determine how the Youth Center population can be integrated into the Martinez Juvenile Hall, and what cost savings would be realized.
F5
After purportedly spending in excess of $500,000 two years ago on kitchen renovations and other improvements, grand jurors found that the majority of the deficiencies outlined in Grand Jury Report 0503 still exist. In addition, this grand jury found other deficiencies such as rusty steam table containers, a dirty sock on a rusty food scale, and other inadequacies. Steam table in kitchen Scales in kitchen with dirty sock
No recommendations for this finding
F6
The only restroom in the cafeteria building has been out of service for several months. This restroom was used by both staff and youth offenders.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
The staff could not provide evidence of training and/or medical clearance for youth workers in the kitchen. Main Dormitory:
No recommendations for this finding
F8
Our inspection found worn out mattresses in the dormitory for older youth. Lumpy and cracked mattress
No recommendations for this finding
F9
An air conditioning system was not in evidence in a building that frequently reaches temperatures in excess of 100 degrees.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
The insect eradication program consists of fly strips hanging from the ceiling. A heavy infestation of insects, particularly flies, is due in large part to the close proximity of the living quarters to compost piles and animals. Manure and compost Fly strip Nurses Office:
No recommendations for this finding
F11
A nurse is available Monday-Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm. Youths needing medical treatment are transported to the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez at all other times, including weekends, holidays, at night, or if there is a life-threatening emergency.
No recommendations for this finding
F12
There were hypodermic needles in an unlocked cabinet and a dirty sink in the nurse’s office. Grounds:
No recommendations for this finding
F13
The rehabilitation complex is on approximately 50 acres of land, most of which is not being utilized. The property is strewn with old cars, an abandoned challenge course, incomplete projects, abandoned computer equipment, broken tools, debris, and junk. Inoperative vehicles, hazardous equipment and clutter 1 Abandoned Challenge Course at the rear of the property Broken wheelbarrow Computers and other junk Debris between two storage containers
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
, the County shall investigate all possible productive uses and revenue sources which might be realized from the closure of the Youth Center. Alternatively, the County shall consider the sale of the land and buildings. Required Responses:
F14
Commercial metal shipping containers, now being used for storage, contain dangerous electrical wiring and open gasoline containers. Electrical connections in a storage container Open gasoline container
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
, the County shall investigate all possible productive uses and revenue sources which might be realized from the closure of the Youth Center. Alternatively, the County shall consider the sale of the land and buildings. Required Responses:
F15
A dilapidated barn with parts of the roof and sides missing is located in the center of the property. A large abandoned plastic tank is stored near the horse corral along with debris. Barn in Disrepair Unused tank and junk
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
, the County shall investigate all possible productive uses and revenue sources which might be realized from the closure of the Youth Center. Alternatively, the County shall consider the sale of the land and buildings. Required Responses:
F16
Abandoned electrical switch panels and water pumps, some of which may be hazardous, are present throughout the property. Abandoned electrical panel and water well near the barn Livestock:
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
, the County shall investigate all possible productive uses and revenue sources which might be realized from the closure of the Youth Center. Alternatively, the County shall consider the sale of the land and buildings. Required Responses:
F17
The animals at the Youth Center include a horse, a few goats, chickens, and llamas. None of the animals appeared to have shelter from the sun, rain or cold. A horse coral is located on the upper left, goats on the lower left, One of three Llamas at the Youth Center and a few goats and Llamas in the pasture on the lower right. Youth Programs:
No recommendations for this finding
F18
The Youth Center’s staff supplied the Grand Jury with their Residential Handbook and also with a draft of a Youth Guide. The Guide is intended to supersede the handbook. However, as of January 2009 this guide has not been approved by senior management.
No recommendations for this finding
F19
The following treatment/program options are listed in the Residential Handbook: Family Counseling, Therapeutic Community, Restitution Service, Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous, Drug and Alcohol Assessment, Drug and Alcohol Counseling, Transition Program, Anger Management, Life Skills, Gang Diversion, Residential Commissary, Teen Parenting, Senior Tutors, Religious Guidance, Work Crew, Athletic League and Field Trips. Many of these treatment programs and services are inadequate or unavailable. Only court ordered programs are mandatory.
No recommendations for this finding
F20
The Youth Center’s manual describes an Animal Husbandry Program. The Grand Jury could find no evidence of instructors, a formal curriculum, or any youth involved in such a program. Animal Husbandry, apparently once a viable program at the Youth Center, is no longer functioning. A bulletin board at the Youth Center touts an Animal Husbandry Program that no longer exists.
No recommendations for this finding
F21
Delta Vista High School offers a program through which the youths can obtain their GED. This program is funded by the Contra Costa County Office of Education. CONCLUSIONS The Grand Jury is concerned that the Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Center is not cost effective and is not accomplishing its primary mission of rehabilitation. An alternative exists which potentially would save the County millions. This waste of County resources is unacceptable when the current budget crisis is leading to elimination or cuts in other important County services. In addition to financial benefits that would be realized by closing the Youth Center, there will be no rehabilitation loss to the County’s youths since there is no evidence of any existing viable programs. Most of the programs offered in their Handbook are understaffed, unstaffed, or nonexistent. Little or no improvement has been noted since the previous Grand Jury Report 0503 criticized food services at the Orin Allen facility. Violations of numerous health codes, as found in the California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law, still exist at the Youth Center. The Youth Center should be closed because the benefits it provides to the County and its youth are so marginal they cannot be justified.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
With the goal of closing the Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Center, conduct a feasibility study and develop an exit strategy. Both objectives shall be accomplished The feasibility study will determine how the Youth Center population can be integrated into the Martinez Juvenile Hall, and what cost savings would be realized.
Conclusions 2
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CL1 Page 7The Grand Jury is concerned that the Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Center is not cost effective and is not accomplishing its primary mission of rehabilitation. An alternative exists which potentially would save the County millions. This waste of County resources is unacceptable when the current budget crisis is leading to elimination or cuts in other important County services. In addition to financial benefits that would be realized by closing the Youth Center, there will be no rehabilitation loss to the County’s youths since there is no evidence of any existing viable
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CL2 Page 8programs. Most of the programs offered in their Handbook are understaffed, unstaffed, or nonexistent. Little or no improvement has been noted since the previous Grand Jury Report 0503 criticized food services at the Orin Allen facility. Violations of numerous health codes, as found in the California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law, still exist at the Youth Center. The Youth Center should be closed because the benefits it provides to the County and its youth are so marginal they cannot be justified.
No Responses Found 1
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
Elected County Office