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Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 9 findings
F1
Page 172
The current number of Probation Officers assigned to the Department appears to be sufficient with respect to maintaining the system. However, there are additional training and rehabilitation activities that are not being provided due to probation officers’ high volume of Court appearances, submission of Court reports, meetings with victims and families, and ongoing supervision of probationers. The hiring of additional Probation Officers would help spread the work out more evenly and help to reduce recidivism.
F2
Page 172
The Probation Department is currently working to develop a coordinated case management system, which will assist Probation Officers in managing their caseloads and provide information about the types of services received by probationers.
F3
Page 172
There are no formal quality assurance and performance evaluation programs to measure the impact that therapeutic treatment activities are having on reducing recidivism. There should be in-house research examining whether cognitive-behavioral groups led by Probation Officers have a positive impact on reducing recidivism. F.4 The Adult Probation Department utilizes Evidence-Based practices such as cognitive behavior therapy but does not collect its own data (outcome measures) as to the efficacy of these groups in reducing recidivism.
F4
Page 187
Reduced need for detention model. There are too few youth in need of Juvenile Hall’s traditional detention model. A powerful design for NHA would be a better path forward for this facility and for the youth of Napa. 10 (cid:3066)(cid:3072)(cid:3072)
F5
Page 172
Water leaks in the Probation Department have been reported over a period of ten years. Air testing for contaminants such as lead and mold has been requested and air samples have been taken. Public Works has been responsive to reports of water leakage and has followed up with proper clean-up of potentially hazardous materials.
F6
Page 172
Violations of the terms of probation result primarily from the presence of mental illness, drug usage, or gang involvement, but the Department lacks the resources to effectively treat individuals with these designations.
F7
Page 172
The definition of recidivism used in the past is a new violation of the law that occurs during a probation supervision term. There are many ways that recidivism has been looked at in the past under previous administrations. Recidivism is a key subject for data analysis that must be looked at in the future. 11 (cid:3066)(cid:3071)(cid:3067)
F8
Page 173
The job satisfaction of Probation Officers is high yet there can be considerable stress given the constant exposure to handling complex and heart-rending cases involving victims and their families. F.9 Since the 2008-2009 Grand Jury investigation there has been a minimal turnover of Probation Officers and consistent reports of job satisfaction and good morale. In addition, opportunities for career advancement are available. 12 (cid:3066)(cid:3071)(cid:3068)
F9
Page 173
Since the 2008-2009 Grand Jury investigation there has been a minimal turnover of Probation Officers and consistent reports of job satisfaction and good morale. In addition, opportunities for career advancement are available. 12 (cid:3066)(cid:3071)(cid:3068) RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations 5
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R1Page 188Under the leadership of its current chair or of a consultant hired for that purpose, the JJC, a state-mandated body, should generate a development program that expands its current understanding of the potential of its group for leadership for the juvenile justice system. The program should include, but not be limited to, activities such as those noted below. a. Confirm with the State of California that the Commission is properly interpreting and applying state legal requirements b. Study websites presented by more active JJC’s c. Report on activities broader in scope than their own d. Critique videos prepared to explain the functioning of JJC’s e. Conduct Zoom interviews with outstanding leaders of other JJC’s f. Consult with university researchers who focus on leadership for juvenile justice g. Sponsor training sessions organized by external organizations for JJC leaders h. Attend appropriate regional and State conferences
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R2Page 188To insure oversight and transparency the Napa County Board of Supervisors should direct the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (JJCC) to report to the Board of Supervisors on a regular schedule at public meetings of the BOS. The JJCC should add more public members, meet regularly as required by law, provide timely public notice of meetings with agendas, provide minutes, recorded video, and follow the requirements of the Brown Act.
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R3Page 188The Napa County Board of Supervisors should direct the JJCC to inform the public about participation in JJCC meetings, in person and by remote means and about obtaining agendas, minutes and reports necessary for participation. The JJCC should redo its webpage to create greater transparency. The Grand Jury suggests studying the San Francisco JJCC webpage (link below) as a model of transparency. The webpage should accurately reflect its origin in the law and its legal responsibilities and obligations. The webpage should also include the names and official contact information of JJCC members 11 (cid:3066)(cid:3072)(cid:3073)
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R4Page 17514 (cid:3066)(cid:3071)(cid:3070)
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R5Page 175§ Director of Information Technology Services