Mendocino County Grand Jury
• 2000-2001
Juvenile Hall Update The Mendocino County Juvenile Hall (Hall) has implemented several
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⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 13 findings
F1
The Hall is run in an orderly manner. Response (Probation): We agree with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with this finding.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
The Superintendent’s response to the 1999-2000 Grand Jury report indicated that he was seeking program providers to implement programs designed to promote social awareness and reduce recidivism. Programs now provided: a. Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous conduct programs on Monday and Thursday evenings. b. The County Department of Mental Health Services (Mental Health) worker provides an evening meditation group. No other new programs were reported. Response (Probation): We agree in part with this finding. The Juvenile Staff is always seeking new and different programs to promote healthier children. In addition to the programs mentioned in the Grand Jury report, we have Alcohol and Other Drugs programs, Reality Awareness, Aerobics, and Project Sanctuary Battered Women’s programs. Response (Mental Health): Mental Health agrees with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. Juvenile Hall has added to the programs outlined by the Grand Jury to promote social awareness and reduce recidivism.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
A gardening area is available for youth. A volunteer helps with gardening efforts. In October the area was not being used. In April, youth reported that onions are now growing in one of the raised beds. The area is underused. Response (Probation): We disagree with this finding. The Grand Jury visited between garden seasons. Presently the garden is flourishing and the vegetables are being served in the Hall kitchen. We hope to expand the garden area next year. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. The garden is well used and provided fresh vegetables to the youth.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
The Facility Inspection Report notes the need for additional treatment planning for incarcerated youth: Because time in the hall gives agencies the time and opportunity to intensively address the needs of these youth, an effort to coordinate interagency evaluation of the individuals educational, emotional, physical, and social needs and the concomitant development of a treatment and discharge plan. Agencies that have the opportunity to evaluate incarcerated youth and provide services are the Department of Probation, Mental Health, Alcohol and other Drugs Program, and the Mendocino County Office of Education. Response (Probation): We agree with this finding. Treatment planning is a multi-agency function. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with this finding.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
The Facility Inspection Report states that “although the school staff and the juvenile hall staff serve the same population and face many of the same challenges, there have been no cross training opportunities.” The Commission recommended that “the Juvenile Hall Administration and the principal of Juvenile Hall high school hold joint training” for Hall staff and the West Hills School staff. Response (Probation): We agree with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with this finding.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
Mental Health provides a one-half time Clinician daily, Monday to Friday. The Clinician sees individuals and conducts group therapy. The Superintendent states that during times when the Hall is at or near capacity, additional Mental Health services, approximately 10 hours per week are needed. Response (Probation): We agree with this finding. Response (Mental Health): Juvenile Hall contracts with the Mental Health Department to provide these clinical services. Back up staff is available to substitute if the regular clinician is not available. Psychiatric services are also provided under this contract. As Juvenile Hall contracts and pays for Mental Health services as they deem necessary, Mental Health is always open to negotiating the terms of contracts to add services. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with this finding.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
If requested by youths, haircuts are now provided. A staff person is a licensed cosmetologist and provides the services every two weeks. Youth reported that the system is working and that those who request haircuts get them in a timely manner. No evidence of a hair care procedure was presented if a licensed cosmetologist staff person is not available to provide hair care. Response (Probation): With the exception of informing the Grand Jury that we have a licensed cosmetologist on staff that performs hair care, it is unclear what is missing from our hair care program. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
Previous inspections reported the need for lights in an outside caged recreation area. The Superintendent reported that lights have been installed, allowing youths to exercise in the evenings. Response (Probation): We agree with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with this finding.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
The Superintendent’s response to the 1999-2000 Grand Jury report states, “Recreation area is being developed, using the labor and energy of incarcerated and work program youth.” a. In October, the Superintendent testified that the fenced area South of the Hall was scheduled for completion by summer 2001 as a recreation area, but as of May 2001, site work had not started. b. In April, the Superintendent reported that completed plans include paved and grassy exercise areas, a gravel perimeter track, and restroom. Because of drainage problems. additional grading, fill dirt, and topsoil were required, changing the estimated cost from $10,000 to $32,000. c. The Superintendent has had difficulty getting bids from contractors for the work; only one was received. d. Funds are available from the Criminal Justice Improvement Fund this year and next year, which will pay for the recreation improvements. One local service organization has offered to help. Response (Probation): We agree with this finding. Response (General Services): The Department agrees with this finding (a, b, and d). Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with this finding. The area is scheduled to be completed this Fiscal Year.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
Response (Probation): Already implemented, in that we have a cosmetologist on staff. It is unclear what is missing from our hair care program. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. G. The Board of Supervisors direct General Services to help the Hall complete the recreation area as soon as possible so that it can be used this summer. The Superintendent extend outreach to other community service groups for possible support in developing this area. (Finding 9) Response (Probation): Already implemented. General Services has been responsive to our needs. Each year money is set aside for the development of the recreation yard. The Superintendent has approached local services for assistance, and will continue to do so. Manpower has been more available than monetary contributions. Response (General Services): The Department agrees with this recommendation, and has requested $13,000 in BU 1710 (Capital Improvements) in the Fiscal Year 2001-2002 Proposed Budget from the Criminal Justice Improvement Fund for completion of the project. As soon as the final budget has been approved by the Board of Supervisors, Buildings and Grounds will coordinate with the Juvenile Hall Superintendent to complete the project. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. Juvenile Hall staff works closely with Buildings and Grounds on the recreational yard project and has approached the local community for assistance. H. General Services order blinds for the cafeteria and paint the cafeteria. (Finding 10) Response (Probation): Already implemented. General Services has work orders for blinds and painting. Response (General Services): The Department agrees with this recommendation, and intends to paint the cafeteria and replace the blinds in the cafeteria expeditiously upon receipt of a formal Work Order for these projects from the Juvenile Hall Superintendent. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. Buildings and Grounds has placed this project on the list for completion this Fiscal Year. I. If the Hall staff decision remains to disallow use of vending machines for parent visits, and youth are not allowed to use the machines, remove or relocate the machines to a staff room. (Finding 12) Response (Probation): Requires further study. Juvenile Hall agrees that having the vending machines on the Boy’s Unit serves no good purpose. It is the intention to relocate the machines to an area they can be utilized so that parents may purchase goods for the youth. Relocating the vending machines has been explored, but logistical issues need to be worked out. Response (General Services): The Department agrees with this recommendation, subject to the decision of the Juvenile Hall Superintendent. Upon the request of the Juvenile Hall Superintendent, General Services will work expeditiously with the vending machine contractor to ensure that the vending machines are relocated. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. Relocation of the vending machines needs further study. J. Hall staff renegotiate the contract with the private communications provider to ensure that calling costs from youth to parents are the same throughout the County and inform parents of actual costs. (Finding 13) Response (Probation): Requires further study. Recently the private communications provider has sent notice that the current agreement is being reviewed. Juvenile Hall and the Jail have invited other providers to demonstrate their products. Hopefully, we can find a provider that better serves our needs. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. Further study is necessary to find other providers to lower the cost. Response Required Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (Recommendations A–J) Mendocino County Office of Education Board of Trustees (Recommendations C, D) Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools (Recommendations C, D) Response Requested Mendocino County Department of Probation (Recommendations A - J) Mendocino County Department of Mental Health Services (Recommendations C, E) Mendocino County General Services (Recommendations G, H, I)
F10
In October, the Grand Jury observed that the cafeteria needed painting and had worn and discolored drapes. The Superintendent reported that he had requested painting and blinds to replace the drapes. In April, these items were not completed. Response (Probation): We agree with this finding. Response (General Services): The Department disagrees in part with this finding because the Buildings and Grounds Division had not received a formal request, in the form of a Work Order, from the Juvenile Hall Superintendent for these projects. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with this finding. The area is scheduled to be completed this Fiscal Year.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
Response (Probation): Already implemented, in that we have a cosmetologist on staff. It is unclear what is missing from our hair care program. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. G. The Board of Supervisors direct General Services to help the Hall complete the recreation area as soon as possible so that it can be used this summer. The Superintendent extend outreach to other community service groups for possible support in developing this area. (Finding 9) Response (Probation): Already implemented. General Services has been responsive to our needs. Each year money is set aside for the development of the recreation yard. The Superintendent has approached local services for assistance, and will continue to do so. Manpower has been more available than monetary contributions. Response (General Services): The Department agrees with this recommendation, and has requested $13,000 in BU 1710 (Capital Improvements) in the Fiscal Year 2001-2002 Proposed Budget from the Criminal Justice Improvement Fund for completion of the project. As soon as the final budget has been approved by the Board of Supervisors, Buildings and Grounds will coordinate with the Juvenile Hall Superintendent to complete the project. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. Juvenile Hall staff works closely with Buildings and Grounds on the recreational yard project and has approached the local community for assistance. H. General Services order blinds for the cafeteria and paint the cafeteria. (Finding 10) Response (Probation): Already implemented. General Services has work orders for blinds and painting. Response (General Services): The Department agrees with this recommendation, and intends to paint the cafeteria and replace the blinds in the cafeteria expeditiously upon receipt of a formal Work Order for these projects from the Juvenile Hall Superintendent. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. Buildings and Grounds has placed this project on the list for completion this Fiscal Year. I. If the Hall staff decision remains to disallow use of vending machines for parent visits, and youth are not allowed to use the machines, remove or relocate the machines to a staff room. (Finding 12) Response (Probation): Requires further study. Juvenile Hall agrees that having the vending machines on the Boy’s Unit serves no good purpose. It is the intention to relocate the machines to an area they can be utilized so that parents may purchase goods for the youth. Relocating the vending machines has been explored, but logistical issues need to be worked out. Response (General Services): The Department agrees with this recommendation, subject to the decision of the Juvenile Hall Superintendent. Upon the request of the Juvenile Hall Superintendent, General Services will work expeditiously with the vending machine contractor to ensure that the vending machines are relocated. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. Relocation of the vending machines needs further study. J. Hall staff renegotiate the contract with the private communications provider to ensure that calling costs from youth to parents are the same throughout the County and inform parents of actual costs. (Finding 13) Response (Probation): Requires further study. Recently the private communications provider has sent notice that the current agreement is being reviewed. Juvenile Hall and the Jail have invited other providers to demonstrate their products. Hopefully, we can find a provider that better serves our needs. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. Further study is necessary to find other providers to lower the cost. Response Required Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (Recommendations A–J) Mendocino County Office of Education Board of Trustees (Recommendations C, D) Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools (Recommendations C, D) Response Requested Mendocino County Department of Probation (Recommendations A - J) Mendocino County Department of Mental Health Services (Recommendations C, E) Mendocino County General Services (Recommendations G, H, I)
F11
Previously, weekly parent visits were in the boys’ recreation room. They are now held in the dreary cafeteria. The boys’ recreation room is equipped with couch-like plastic seats, television, books, magazines, and two vending machines. Response (Probation): We agree with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with this finding.
No recommendations for this finding
F12
When visits were in the boys’ recreation room, parents could purchase items from vending machines for themselves or their children. With a move to the cafeteria those machines are not available. a. Youth suggested that the vending machines should be moved either to the cafeteria or outside the cafeteria so parents could once again purchase items during visits. b. Youth reported they are not allowed to use the vending machines located in the recreation room; they are now used for staff only. Response (Probation): We agree with this finding. Response (General Services): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with this finding.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
Response (Probation): Already implemented, in that we have a cosmetologist on staff. It is unclear what is missing from our hair care program. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. G. The Board of Supervisors direct General Services to help the Hall complete the recreation area as soon as possible so that it can be used this summer. The Superintendent extend outreach to other community service groups for possible support in developing this area. (Finding 9) Response (Probation): Already implemented. General Services has been responsive to our needs. Each year money is set aside for the development of the recreation yard. The Superintendent has approached local services for assistance, and will continue to do so. Manpower has been more available than monetary contributions. Response (General Services): The Department agrees with this recommendation, and has requested $13,000 in BU 1710 (Capital Improvements) in the Fiscal Year 2001-2002 Proposed Budget from the Criminal Justice Improvement Fund for completion of the project. As soon as the final budget has been approved by the Board of Supervisors, Buildings and Grounds will coordinate with the Juvenile Hall Superintendent to complete the project. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. Juvenile Hall staff works closely with Buildings and Grounds on the recreational yard project and has approached the local community for assistance. H. General Services order blinds for the cafeteria and paint the cafeteria. (Finding 10) Response (Probation): Already implemented. General Services has work orders for blinds and painting. Response (General Services): The Department agrees with this recommendation, and intends to paint the cafeteria and replace the blinds in the cafeteria expeditiously upon receipt of a formal Work Order for these projects from the Juvenile Hall Superintendent. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. Buildings and Grounds has placed this project on the list for completion this Fiscal Year. I. If the Hall staff decision remains to disallow use of vending machines for parent visits, and youth are not allowed to use the machines, remove or relocate the machines to a staff room. (Finding 12) Response (Probation): Requires further study. Juvenile Hall agrees that having the vending machines on the Boy’s Unit serves no good purpose. It is the intention to relocate the machines to an area they can be utilized so that parents may purchase goods for the youth. Relocating the vending machines has been explored, but logistical issues need to be worked out. Response (General Services): The Department agrees with this recommendation, subject to the decision of the Juvenile Hall Superintendent. Upon the request of the Juvenile Hall Superintendent, General Services will work expeditiously with the vending machine contractor to ensure that the vending machines are relocated. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. Relocation of the vending machines needs further study. J. Hall staff renegotiate the contract with the private communications provider to ensure that calling costs from youth to parents are the same throughout the County and inform parents of actual costs. (Finding 13) Response (Probation): Requires further study. Recently the private communications provider has sent notice that the current agreement is being reviewed. Juvenile Hall and the Jail have invited other providers to demonstrate their products. Hopefully, we can find a provider that better serves our needs. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. Further study is necessary to find other providers to lower the cost. Response Required Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (Recommendations A–J) Mendocino County Office of Education Board of Trustees (Recommendations C, D) Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools (Recommendations C, D) Response Requested Mendocino County Department of Probation (Recommendations A - J) Mendocino County Department of Mental Health Services (Recommendations C, E) Mendocino County General Services (Recommendations G, H, I)
F13
Parents are now informed in an informational pamphlet that calls made from youth at the Hall “are ‘collect’ and charged at a premium rate.” “Premium rate” does not clearly state the actual cost of the calls. Youth from Fort Bragg reported that calls to home cost parents $3.00 per minute. Ukiah youth reported that the charges are not as high for their parents. A private communications provider provides services. Response (Probation): We agree with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with this finding.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
Response (Probation): Already implemented, in that we have a cosmetologist on staff. It is unclear what is missing from our hair care program. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. G. The Board of Supervisors direct General Services to help the Hall complete the recreation area as soon as possible so that it can be used this summer. The Superintendent extend outreach to other community service groups for possible support in developing this area. (Finding 9) Response (Probation): Already implemented. General Services has been responsive to our needs. Each year money is set aside for the development of the recreation yard. The Superintendent has approached local services for assistance, and will continue to do so. Manpower has been more available than monetary contributions. Response (General Services): The Department agrees with this recommendation, and has requested $13,000 in BU 1710 (Capital Improvements) in the Fiscal Year 2001-2002 Proposed Budget from the Criminal Justice Improvement Fund for completion of the project. As soon as the final budget has been approved by the Board of Supervisors, Buildings and Grounds will coordinate with the Juvenile Hall Superintendent to complete the project. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. Juvenile Hall staff works closely with Buildings and Grounds on the recreational yard project and has approached the local community for assistance. H. General Services order blinds for the cafeteria and paint the cafeteria. (Finding 10) Response (Probation): Already implemented. General Services has work orders for blinds and painting. Response (General Services): The Department agrees with this recommendation, and intends to paint the cafeteria and replace the blinds in the cafeteria expeditiously upon receipt of a formal Work Order for these projects from the Juvenile Hall Superintendent. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. Buildings and Grounds has placed this project on the list for completion this Fiscal Year. I. If the Hall staff decision remains to disallow use of vending machines for parent visits, and youth are not allowed to use the machines, remove or relocate the machines to a staff room. (Finding 12) Response (Probation): Requires further study. Juvenile Hall agrees that having the vending machines on the Boy’s Unit serves no good purpose. It is the intention to relocate the machines to an area they can be utilized so that parents may purchase goods for the youth. Relocating the vending machines has been explored, but logistical issues need to be worked out. Response (General Services): The Department agrees with this recommendation, subject to the decision of the Juvenile Hall Superintendent. Upon the request of the Juvenile Hall Superintendent, General Services will work expeditiously with the vending machine contractor to ensure that the vending machines are relocated. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. Relocation of the vending machines needs further study. J. Hall staff renegotiate the contract with the private communications provider to ensure that calling costs from youth to parents are the same throughout the County and inform parents of actual costs. (Finding 13) Response (Probation): Requires further study. Recently the private communications provider has sent notice that the current agreement is being reviewed. Juvenile Hall and the Jail have invited other providers to demonstrate their products. Hopefully, we can find a provider that better serves our needs. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board agrees with the response provided by the Chief Probation Officer. Further study is necessary to find other providers to lower the cost. Response Required Mendocino County Board of Supervisors (Recommendations A–J) Mendocino County Office of Education Board of Trustees (Recommendations C, D) Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools (Recommendations C, D) Response Requested Mendocino County Department of Probation (Recommendations A - J) Mendocino County Department of Mental Health Services (Recommendations C, E) Mendocino County General Services (Recommendations G, H, I)
No Responses Found 1
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
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