Final Report 1960*

In independent adoptions, the natural mother is given great- 48 er discretionary powers as to with whom the child is to be placed. a. Adoptions can be better controlled as to ethnic and re- ligious background. b. Children may be placed with persons of good health, good standing in the community, better than average fin- ancial position, even though they may be over the arbi- trary age limit set for agency adoptions. c. There is less embarrassment for the natural mother.

The only control over non-association members is exercised by the State Board of Examiners.

They have no way of determining which doctors or attorneys are instrumental in the placement and adoption of unusually large numbers of children. D. Both independent and agency adoptions should be retained.

Los Angeles County Grand Jury e- e- The Criminal Complaints Committee considered fifty-nine com- plaints, of which forty-two were referred to the Grand Jury for hearing. The disposition of matters heard prior to December 1st is shown in the following tabulation: rge ne. Number of Type of Case Complaints 7 ing 4 Murder 3 3 Conspiracy 4 Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft 5 Grand Theft las 6 Conspiracy and Forgery 6 Narcotics 1 Hit and Run 'ic 1 Robbery and Murder 1 rs Burglary 5 Abortion and Conspiracy 1 Insurance Fraud and Conspiracy 2 Fraud 1 Narcotics, Burglary, Auto Theft, and RSP 1 Bribery 1 а Graft f - 42 Total As a result of its deliberations the Grand Jury returned in- dictments in 240 narcotics cases and 34 other cases. At Decem- ber 1, 1960, one conspiracy case was still under consideration. The committee is seriously concerned with the number of com- plaints alleging corruption in municipal government. While sev- :t eral of these complaints were apparently based on nothing but .t suspicion, there were three cases presented to the Grand Jury in which indictments were returned. Indictments were returned a- gainst two police officers of the City of Long Beach and one police officer of the City of Covina. One department head in the City of - Culver City was indicted. In addition to uncovering an indictable offense, the investigation in that city clearly indicated inex- cusably careless methods in the awarding of contracts and in aud- iting and approving payments. It is hoped that the results in these hearings and investigation will cause both citizens and city officials to insist upon a higher standard of efficiency and hon- esty in city government. The committee deeply appreciates the full cooperation received 24 from the offices of the District Attorney, the County Sheriff, and the Chief of Police of the City of Los Angeles. CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE K. Charles Bean, Chairman Ralph J. Gallagher William T. Holden Leon L. Horchitz George E. O'Brien Mrs. George B. Ross, Secretary Transferrage of the contract of the contract of the contract of the contract of the contract of the contract of the contract of the contract of the contract of the contract of the contract of the contract of the contract o Allen III III III III III III III III III I established the self-control of the self-control of the self-control of the self-control of the self-control of the self-control of the self-control of the self-control of the self-control of the self-control of the self-c 25 ', and JAILS COMMITTEE REPORT Mr. Francis A. Walsh E Foreman 1960 Los Angeles County Grand Jury The Jails Committee respectfully submits the following report of its activities during the year 1960: This committee was appointed February 2, 1960 in compliance ry with the terms of section 923 of the California Penal Code, which reads as follows: "The grand jury must inquire into the case of every person impris- oned in the jail of the county on a criminal charge and not indicted; into the condition and management of the public prisons within the county." The committee held its organizational meeting on February 9. 1960. All members of the committee were present; Chairman Galla- gher, presiding, suggested that the committee organize itself, by naming a Secretary. On motion duly made, and unanimously adopted. Mrs. George Ross was named Secretary to the Committee. With the approval of all the committee members, the committee was divided into three teams of two members each for the purpose of inspecting: 1. All facilities which had not been inspected for a period of two years or longer. 2. All jails where unsatisfactory conditions had been reported by past Jails Committees. As of this date, the following penal institutions have been inspected by the three teams: Alhambra Juvenile Redondo Beach Altadena Lakewood San Dimas Bell Lennox San Gabriel Compton Long Beach San Marino Covina Malibu Sierra Madre East Los Angeles Manhattan Beach Signal Hill El Monte Mira Loma South Gate Gardena Monrovia Temple City Harbor Division Monterey Park Van Nuys Hermosa Beach Montrose Vernon Highland Park Newhall West Hollywood Hollywood North Hollywood West Valley Inglewood Palos Verdes Wilshire We feel in those instances in which the facilities were clean and properly operated, special commendation should be given to the Chiefs of Police and other officials concerned. A letter to that effect has been sent to each official concerned. The individual jail reports of all jail visits are filed under "Jails Inspections." The respective Jails Committee teams, in checking these facilities, found very few irregularities and none of major importance. The entire Grand Jury made the following inspections: Central Jail City Jail (Lincoln Heights) County Jail Sybil Brand Institute Wayside Honor Farm With the exception of the main county jail where crowded con- ditions still exist, it was the opinion of the entire Grand Jury that the Sheriff and his staff are to be commended for the outstand- ing job being done, at this facility, under adverse conditions; that the above named facilities most certainly deserve praise for their method of operation, resulting in the rehabilitation of many of the inmates. We are happy to report that the bond issue for a new women's jail, to replace the Sybil Brand Institute for Women on Terminal Island was approved and that construction of a new, modern facility will begin shortly. It was most gratifying to the entire committee to note the number of new, modern facilities which have been built in the past two years. The members of the Jails Committee want to express sincere ap- preciation to Fred M. Henderson, Lieutenant Walter J. Sullivan, Mrs. Lila S. Boyd, and Mrs. Mary Higa for their fine cooperation and assistance during the year. It has been indeed a pleasure to work with them. Respectfully submitted, Jails Committee Col. K. Charles Bean William T. Holden Leon L. Horchitz George E. O'Brien Mrs. George B. Ross, Secretary Ralph J. Gallagher, Chairman 27 REPORT OF JUVENILE COMMITTEE Francis A. Walsh, Foreman 1960 Los Angeles County Grand Jury In a county as vast in size and population as Los Angeles, the problems of the Juvenile Probation Department are enormous and complex. This committee, feels that the limited amount of time that could be given to juvenile work made it impossible to probe very deeply into any particular problem or to evaluate completely its observations. We believe that Mr. Karl Holton, County Probation Officer, is outstanding in the field of juvenile rehabilitation. We commend his camp program which makes possible the retention of boys in small groups where individual attention, training and consider- ation give to each a better chance to return to society as an ad- justed individual. The size and number of these camps project in- to the future to allow for an increase in residence needs for a number of years to come. The forest fire fighting training pre- sented for older boys at Camp Bouquet Canyon is excellent and the trades training about to start at Camp Afflerbaugh will present another opportunity for older boys who do not have the inclination or ability for school programs. We are not satisfied that permis- sive methods followed in the school programs are in the best in- terest of juveniles who, it must be assumed, are lacking in stable judgment. The crowded condition at Juvenile Hall is deplorable and we wish to state that we believe Mr. David Bogen, Superintendent of the Hall, and his staff do a remarkable job of direction and main- tenance under very difficult circumstances. We also wish to com- mend Mr. Clarence Cabell for his able direction of Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. It is hoped that the crowded conditions in the in- stitutions may be alleviated somewhat by action already taken. Two years ago Mr. Holton recognized the need for an objective an- alysis of administrative and juvenile placement methods, and Miss Catherine Dunn, former Welfare Director in Connecticut, has been engaged in this study. Many of her recommendations regarding ad- ministrative procedures have already been implemented. These are relative to more complete and accessible records on case histor- ies, better coordination between the Area Probation Departments and Shelter and Placement Divisions and the cooperation of Child Welfare and the Bureau of Public Assistance. It should be possi- ble to cut appreciably the time of a child's stay at the Hall, and in some cases it should not be necessary for a child to be in res- idence at all for the disposition of its case. The Board of Su- pervisors has requested immediate recognition of the responsibil- ity of the California Youth Authority to remove from county deten- tion those youths committed to it. Many occupy space in our Juv- enile Halls for weeks while awaiting space in State facilities. The Grand Jury was aware of the Juvenile Hall, Unit X, inci- dent in September. Most of the members visited the unit and felt that reports regarding its physical set-up and treatment of juve- 28 niles were exaggerated. They found the unit clean, well-staffed and adapted for the therapeutic and disciplinary needs for which it must at times be used. Supervisor Debs, Chairman of the Juve- nile Committee of the Board of Supervisors, and Mr. Holton of the Probation Department have kept us informed of the investigation being conducted. However, to this committee of the Grand Jury it appears that isolation rooms are necessary in institutions having the care of boys and girls, in ages up to eighteen, in numbers as large and with problems as diverse as those housed in Juvenile Hall. When McLaren Hall is completed in the early part of 1961 all non-delinquent children in county care will be removed from Juve- nile Hall. It is proposed that Lathrop Hall then be used as a Psychiatric Treatment Unit for Girls. We have been informed that the emotional state of the delinquent girl makes adjustment very difficult without mental therapy. Dr. Joseph Robinson, Medical Director of the Probation Department appeared before the entire Grand Jury in November and outlined his plans for this new unit. We congratulate him on his concept of the problem and hope he will have adequate funds and cooperation to make this project success- ful. FIELD TRIPS: Juvenile Hall (twice) Camp Bouquet Canyon Camp Walter Scott El Retiro School for Girls Georgia Street, Juvenile Detention (Chairman) Los Padrinos Las Palmas Camp Afflerbaugh Camp Paige McLaren Hall (Chairman) Federation of Community Coordinating Councils of Los Angeles County (Chairman) for report on White House Conference of Children and Youth RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 1960 GRAND JURY 1. This Grand Jury is aware of the enormous cost of the Juvenile program. We are told that the success of the rehabilitation of juveniles is difficult to judge as they are not photographed or fingerprinted and after reaching the age of eighteen, no record is kept. Estimates of the percentage of recidivism vary. be that the program of retention, probation and guidance is inade- quate for the present moral atmosphere of society and a new ap- proach might be sought. THEREFORE, we recommend an appropriation be allowed for a survey of the results of the Juvenile Rehabilitation Program. 29 2. This Committee is not in complete agreement with the "family centered home" idea and feels that the permanent removal of a child, whether delinquent or not to a foster home or institution contributes to the stability and well being of the child in many cases. Any juvenile permitted to return to delinquent or neglect- ful parents or to an immoral home or neighborhood atmosphere can become quickly a returnee to Juvenile Hall or go on to an adult in- stitution. We have been told by camp directors that the more co- operative boys respond to routine and to the security of discip- line and become apprehensive when the time approaches for their release from detention. THEREFORE, we recommend that thought be given to the provision of "Half-way Homes" that would provide a restrictive living environ- ment while allowing a boy to continue his education in the public school system or to hold employment after his release from a camp. 3. After a visit to El Retiro the Juvenile Committee was very dis- turbed about the inadequacy of the living facilities and the program for girls. The completion of Las Palmas will improve the physical requirements but it appears to us that outside of the school center the program is still inadequate. It is reasonably accepted that there is emotional stabilization in physical action and we regret that the therapeutic value of a swimming pool was not accepted. We are told that most of the plumbing requisite to a pool has already been incorporated into the building construction. THEREFORE, we recommend that funds be allowed for the construction of a swimming pool at the Las Palmas School for Girls. 4. The California State Code does not allow smoking in the older boys' camps. This curtailing of an accepted social habit causes disciplinary problems for camp directors and misunder- standings with the parents of the boys. Smoking, with the consent of parent or guardian, is permitted for boys sixteen and over un- der the jurisdiction of the California Youth Authority. THEREFORE, we recommend that the Board of Supervisors ask that the words "and County Boys' Camps" be inserted following the words "Youth Authority" into the first sentence of Section 308 A of the Penal Code. We are aware of the tremendous divergence of opinion between law enforcement and the social worker's approach to the juvenile problem. We urge greater communication between officials repre- senting both viewpoints. The care of juveniles in county custody is of paramount importance to the members of the Grand Jury. The Juvenile Committee is very grateful to the members of the Probation Department and to other county officials who have so willingly assisted in acquainting them with juvenile facts and 30 problems. We wish to thank Lieutenant Walter Sullivan for plan- ning and routing our many field trips and Mrs. Lila Boyd and Mrs. Mary Higa for their unfailing courtesies. Respectfully submitted, JUVENILE COMMITTEE Mrs. Robert C. Moriarty, Chairman Mr. La Verne W. Browne Mrs. Thomas H. Gibson, Secretary Mrs. Lillian Lee Mrs. Marjori Hunt Pierson Mrs. Anthony John Telich 31 NARCOTICS COMMITTEE REPORT Mr. Francis A. Walsh, Foreman 1960 Los Angeles County Grand Jury A comprehensive survey of the narcotic problem as it exists today has been conducted throughout this year. The survey has in- cluded attendance at the Federal hearings held in Los Angeles; documentary motion pictures; reports received from national, state and local levels; invited guests who imparted valuable informa- tion; facts and figures garnered from every available source. The conclusions we have drawn from this extensive research will be stated briefly. For anyone who so desires, amplification may be had by referring to the voluminous files. The obvious conclusion is what we call "the vicious circle". Narcotic offenders - be they addicts, addict-pushers, or non-user peddlers - are arrested, given short sentences, sent to prison (where addicts get little if any rehabilitation or "curing"), paroled long before sentence has been completed, are turned back into the same environment from which they came, and in no time at all, are back on another narcotic offense. The same process starts again --- even though prior convictions begin to pile up, the sen- tences remain light, the paroles just as early. The vicious circle continues to 11th, 12th, ad infinitum arrests, convictions, pa- roles. The overall cost is also vicious, and as unending as the circle itself. The next conclusion was much more difficult to arrive at - and it is this very important conclusion that has been our main con- cern. The conclusion answers the question - Why is this vicious circle allowed to perpetuate itself year after year? OUR CONCLUSION: Those who are most concerned with the narcotic problem face it in one of two ways - (1) the Criminal Approach, or (2) the Medical Approach. (1) The Criminal Approach is most naturally taken by the majority of law enforcement agencies -- firmly and with good reason. Their experience tells them that if narcotic offenders are not put in jail, kept there under stiff penalties, which become increas- ingly stiff with each further offense, within a matter of years the seriousness of the problem in this community will be beyond the resources of the law enforcement agences. Their honest belief is that the narcotic offender is contagious - he contaminates so- ciety in a staggering number of ways, as long as he is out of cus- tody. (2) The Medical Approach is usually adhered to by most social workers, doctors, research scientists, etc .-- again firmly and with 32 good reason. Their experience convinces them that the narcotic addict is not a criminal, but a sick person - just as the alcohol- ic or the mental patient; that when we realize the narcotic addict is usually the pusher because he needs his "medicine", we are in most cases sending a sick man to prison for doing something over which he had no control; that stiff penalties to try to halt the loathesome non-user peddler results in too many unfair prison terms for the sick addict, and only a rare prison term for the most vi- cious of all - the non-user peddler who takes advantage of the ad- dict to make him push in order to acquire the drug to satisfy his craving. These two views are completely diverse, and seemingly have no meeting-ground. Society is on the proverbial horns of the dilemma. Our third conclusion is a workable system of both Approaches - whereby all elements may be considered, all rights observed, and a resulting decrease almost to obliteration of the narcotic problem may be accomplished. 1. Stiffer penalties - to conform with the Federal penalties; with a mandatory minimum; no parole or probation under stated circumstances; and even the death sentence possible by jury if heroin is sold or transferred to a minor. 2. Separate the offenders into two classes - Addict, and Non-User. The same penalties involved, but the non-user would be sent to prison; whereas the addict would be sent to a narcotic prison-hospital, where he would be given the best medical, psychiatric, and rehabilitative processes a- vailable, and where research might find the answers they need to help all future addiction. 3. When the addict is released, he would be under the super- vision of mental health counselors who would guide him back into society - not throw him back into the same pit from which he came. If he reverts to the habit, he would be re- turned to the prison-hospital and kept until the Doctors au- thorize his release, again to the mental health counselor's supervision. 4. When we have cleaned up our own state, then demand that the Federal Government wipe out the source of the narcotics which flood our state from the borders. All the authorities make certain infallible statements: a. As long as there is a narcotic available, we will have ad- dicts. If the source of illegal contraband is destroyed, there can be no extensive sale of illegal narcotics. This is why the British system of licensed stations is not our 33 health supervision, increased facilities and manpower re- quired in prisons to take care of long-term convictions. It seems too ridiculous to print, but we have been told that the reason for short terms on narcotic offenders is that we simply do not have adequate prison space! C. There is no known cure for a narcotic addict. But he can be controlled, and he can be stopped from contaminating others. The Nallorphine Test (commonly called Nalline Test), dis- covered and developed in our own state, and successfully used at Chino, is the best regulation system yet found. As a state-wide control, addicts would report once a week, would be given the Test which immediately ascertains if there is any narcotic in the blood stream, and if so - the addict would be sent back to the prison-hospital immediately. d. Statistics re narcotic addicts are a straw in the wind. Only those who are known addicts are registered. There are over 6,000 addicts registered in the State of California. A fairly accurate assumption from those working in the al- lied fields relates a more realistic probability of over 60,000 addicts in this state. As to statistics re the amount of illegal contraband avail- able for sale in this state - only those seizures made are known, wherein each seizure usually tallies in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is appalling to imagine the a- mount of contraband that a completely under-staffed narcotic division is unable to stop. There are roughly 500 narcotic officers in the state - including all assigned by federal, state, county and city - competing with every known kind of transportation moving in from every direction on land, in the air, and on the water. e. Narcotic addiction is not confined to just the under- privileged, by any means. f. According to Federal Committee reports made as late as June, 1960, and reliable local sources, there are many Junior and Senior High Schools in this area where the students can get at least marijuana. The profit in illegal narcotics is so great that it will g. always be a major enterprise for gangsters unless the pen- alties are much stiffer. Prices vary, but on an average a kilo of heroin costs about $3,000 and will bring about $100,000. The gangster money too often finances the source of supply, as well as the resultant sales. We asked everyone involved the same question: Why isn't the public alarmed to the point of demanding that the necessary action be taken to at least control this problem? We received the same answer: It is human nature to not want to believe it can happen to you or your family. The next question we asked: How can they be made to realize that it can and, with the increasing incidence of narcotic addic- tion, very well might happen to them, and something should be done before it does? The answer: Take the shackles off law enforcement; more people will become involved, and then the public will begin to realize it could happen to them too. The considered judgment of the leading medical men today - even though their concern has been with the Medical Approach - is that the narcotic addict is so devious in his ways and means of getting his own drug - by pushing to others, burglary, theft, shop- lifting, assault, etc., etc. - that society must fight fire with fire - we must arrest, convict and place in custody the addict as if he were a criminal. We must get him off the streets and out of society, and we must keep him there until he is able to be control- led on the outside. This is now bending the horns of the dilemma to a possible meeting-point. IF the rest of the Medical Approach group will concede the criminal necessity of getting the addict off the street and keeping him off long enough to effect a control--- IF the Criminal Approach group will concede that the proper prison-hospital-rehabilitation facilities are the answer to the sick addict --- IF --- And so ends the report. As with all reports, it is only as useful as the action taken by those who read it. Our deepest appreciation is extended to the many who contribut- ed to a year's research of a vast field and a vital problem. Respectfully submitted, NARCOTICS COMMITTEE Mr. Frank I. Hale, Chairman Mrs. Marjori Hunt Pierson, Secrty. Col. K. Charles Bean Mrs. Thomas H. Gibson Mrs. Robert C. Moriarty Mr. K. A. Murray Mr. Frank Tang 35 SCHOOLS COMMITTE REPORT 1960 Los Angeles County Grand Jury Duplication of effort, although not a crime, should be. Particularly where the taxpayer's money is paying the freight. This explains the purposeful inactivity of this committee during the current session, and probably will prompt exceptional activity in 1961. In 1958, by legislative act, a Citizens Advisory Commission was appointed to examine the entire Public Education System of the State of California. For over two years this Citizen's Commission has been studying thoroughly every phase of our state educational program, and only recently made its report - actually received by this committee the day before our report was written, and quite obviously too late for us to adequately digest its hundreds of recommendations. However, as a legacy to the incoming Schools Committee, we have gathered together in the files most of the pertinent informa- tion. This will facilitate any immediate action deemed necessary, since 1961 is a legislative year. These vital recommendations probably will be early in the agenda since Governor Brown has released public statements that Education has the Number One priority on his legislative program. For our School Committee to have exerted any extensive activity this year would have been duplication of effort, a waste of time, and the taxpayer's money. Respectfully submitted, SCHOOLS COMMITTEE Marjori Hunt Pierson, Chairman Mrs. Thomas H. Gibson, Sec'y Mr. La Verne W. Browne Mrs. Lillian Lee Mrs. Robert C. Moriarty Mrs. Anthony John Telich 37 SMOG COMMITTEE REPORT F. A. Walsh, Foreman 1960 Los Angeles County Grand Jury Your Smog Committee has held four meetings, two of which were attended by various interested members of the Grand Jury sitting with the committee. At our invitation Mr. S. Smith Griswold gave us an entire morn- ing, during which he outlined the structure of his organization, and by word, pictures and charts explained their methods of ap- proach to the over-all problem of smog and the various steps that have been taken toward its control and eventual elimination. We find that much progress has been made by the APCD in controlling smog producing emissions from industrial plants by policing and the issuance of citations in many cases. The main source of smog producing elements continues to be the automobile. In attacking this problem the approach is being made: (1) by the formation of a Joint Research Program by APCD, the Western Oil and Gas Association, the U.S. Bureau of Mines, and the U.S. Public Health Service in the development of practical fuel specifications that will have lesser smog producing by- products resulting from their combustion; (2) the acceptance and approval of at least two types of devices that can be recommended as an accessory for installation on all types of automotive vehicles that will remove the harm- ful products of combustion from the exhaust gases before the gas is released into the air. Although legislation has been enacted setting a limiting date by which time such an acces- sory must be installed on cars and trucks, there has not as yet been found any practical device. Your Committee has had only one citizen's complaint and it was acted upon by inviting the complainant, Mr. Francis M. Olson, to appear before the Smog Committee and the Grand Jury for a full dis- cussion of his views. It was found that his suggestions had been given full study by the APCD and a written report by them pointed out the impracticability of his ideas. It is the considered opinion of the Smog Committee that our meetings have failed to develop any information or facts requiring this Grand Jury to take any formal action. The transcript of the hearing before the Board of Supervisors on August 9, 1960, with reference to the proposed amendment to Rule 62 has been reviewed and we suggest that our successors on the 1961 Grand Jury acquaint themselves with this transcript so they may correctly understand the importance of Rule 62 and why the proposed amendment would undermine the efforts of APCD to solve the 38 Inasmuch as the APCD seems to be functioning efficiently and making progress in harmony with the complexity of the problems it has to deal with, which problems are not unique to Los Angeles County but are being recognized in every major metropolitan area in the United States, we commend the efforts of the APCD and its Director, Mr. S. Smith Griswold. SMOG COMMITTEE Leon L. Horchitz, Chairman K. Charles Bean Ralph J. Gallagher Wm. T. Holden George E. O'Brien Mrs. George B. Ross, Secretary 39 SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT 1960 Los Angeles County Grand Jury Things we saw -- things we learned -- things we suggest -- RANCHO LOS AMIGOS We saw: -- aged and senile -- arthritics -- muscular distrophy -- polio --Parkinson's Disease -- spinal cord injuries -- paralysis -- broken necks -- bed-ridden -- wheel chair victims -- ambu- latories -- wards in which the only sound was the breathing of the iron lungs BUT We learned: -- of medical miracles at Rancho -- of devices which provide function to twisted and paralyzed hands -- of designs for mal- functioning arms and legs -- of the dramatic development of the artificial muscle. We also saw: -- a group of dedicated people who work with zeal, whether on duty or off -- laboratories where heart disease is being studied -- where the effects of Air Pollution on chronic pulmonary diseases are being evaluated -- where testing techniques are being devel- oped to detect mental deterioration in the aged. We learned: -- that at Rancho two-thirds of the so-called "no hope cases" are being rehabilitated -- that not only have they developed, but have successfully performed surgical techniques which include transfer of muscle power, methods of determining a disabled per- son's work potential, a substitute technique for breathing (a technique which today is being performed around the world!) We further learned: (1) -- that Research Grants supply the money for the clinical in- vestigation at Rancho -- that these grants must be re-applied for each year -- as a result, these highly qualified, creative, dedi- cated research people can be retained only on a year's basis; (2) -- that the officials of this county have given highly com- mendable support to this program in many ways; providing space, buildings, utilities, etc. and that Los Angeles County is further ahead in rehabilitation of the physically handicapped that any other county in the U. S. We know: -- that every person rehabilitated and back to work, once again contributes to the National Income. THEREFORE, we suggest: (1) -- that the miracles of Rancho be allowed to extend to other so-called hopeless, crippling diseases -- (2) -- that every possible means of continued and expanded support of this clinical investigation program be thoroughly ex- plored. L. A. COUNTY GENERAL HOSPITAL -- the largest hospital of its kind in the United States! General Hospital was built when out-patient clinic practice was virtually unknown-- --today out-patient clinics and "in the home care" are the an- swer to our increasing population and critical man-power and bed- space shortages -- --Doctors and nurses trying to care for the hundreds of out- patients in the most make-shift surroundings, examination rooms separated only by sheets, lack of privacy, the sick waiting long hours for their turn. -- the World War I Army barracks where the nurses live, cold in winter and hot in summer -- -- the ancient buildings, now condemned, that were a part of the original hospital, but the only home available to the residents and interns who must live on the hospital grounds. --during our 1960 term a fifteen and a half million dollar Bond Issue was passed that will provide a four-story out-patient clinic building, a Nursing School and Dormitory for nurses, and a building that will provide housing for 300 resident physicians and interns. --we want to congratulate the voters on passing this important Bond Issue, and we know that 1963, the year of completion, cannot come too soon for the staff at General Hospital. PSYCHIATRIC....GENERAL HOSPITAL We saw: --seventeen people in Psychiatric Court at General Hospital between the hours of nine and ten-thirty A.M. They were advised of their rights and given a full and complete hearing. The senile elderly were committed to geriatric sanitaria, un- der the care of the Mental Health Counselor; the alcoholics who had asked for voluntary commitment were ordered to Camarillo; one 41 woman described by the psychiatrists as neurotic but not psychotic was dismissed; the paranoid schizophrenics were committed to men- tal hospitals. We learned: -- that due to the number of cases, the Psychiatric Unit of General Hospital is one of the best in the country, if not in the world, in which to study the acute psychotic reactions of schizophrenia But we learned.....that very little significant research has been done there because of inadequate staffing within the Unit itself Therefore, we suggest: -- that the administrative budget of the Psychiatric Unit be restored to its former status, thus allowing for its original com- plement of three physicians. We saw: -- "Closed" Geratric sanitaria (those to which the senile are committed) and we learned that though these people may stare va- cantly into space, they, unfortunately, often remember every detail of the Court commitment. -- "Open" Geriatric sanitaria (where senile patients may go voluntarily) We learned: -- that the Bureau of Hospitals, under the State Dept. of Public Health, recently acquired Federal funds to set up training programs for Nursing and Rest Home operators. We believe there is urgent need for that type of training, and in line with that--- We strongly suggest -- that the licensing and inspection of every kind of Rest Home and Sanitarium in this state, be placed under one Agency. We believe that the Psychiatric Court should be commended for the reduction in non-psychotic senile cases under its jurisdic- tion, in recent years. We suggest: --continuing studies of ways in which all these eldely people can be cared for, without resorting to court commitment. "DRUNK" COURT At Lincoln Heights Jail on a Monday morning We saw: --hundreds of men who had been picked up over the week-end and were unable to post the $21 Bail (the women were to follow in the afternoon). 42 -- these men filled all the available seats, and stood three deep along the walls of the Court room -- the charge---- "Plain Drunk" We heard: -- Judge Robert Clifton explain their rights; his efforts to make them realize that drinking is a problem that is affecting their lives, jobs, health and reputations; he suggested ways in which they could seek help with this problem. We learned: -- that there are nearly 100,000 arrests a year in Los Angeles for intoxication and that some of these men might have appeared in "Drunk Court" three hundred times or more--at a cost of $35 per arrest! -- that Judge Clifton believes that emphasis should be placed on early treatment of alcoholism; that compulsory treatment of al- coholics by referral to Alcoholics Anonymous or to State Clinics has been proven beneficial, and should be used extensively. We suggest: -- that Judge Clifton's plan for a total state program, using compulsory treatment, is well worth studying. -- that every citizen of this State should be aroused! Cali- fornia has more alcoholics than any other state in the nation! AID TO NEEDY CHILDREN PROGRAM We have heard: --a great deal of criticism of the Aid to Needy Children pro- gram-- -- that the Program is constantly under study, not only by the Bureau of Public Assistance, who administers it, but by the Press, Judges, interested citizens, other counties in California, notably San Diego County. We suggest: -- that an evaluation of the results of those studies might prove interesting and worth while to the 1961 Grand Jury. CONCLUSIONS During this year we have become increasingly concerned with the complexity of the administration of the Health and Welfare Programs in this state and county. We learned -- that the Old Age Security Program alone requires a manual of 648 pages to assist and direct the Social Worker 43 -- that with the implementation of the Federal Old Age Rehabil- itation Program in January, 1961, the laws, rules and regulations could become more complex and confusing, and the manuals even weightier -- We know: -- that studies of administration and improved procedures in all the Welfare programs have been made and implemented at the county level BUT We suggest: -- that only at the State level can a study be made that will result in the simplification of laws, rules and regulations that is so urgently needed. The Social Services Committee wishes to thank the staff, D.D.A. Fred Henderson, Lt. Walter Sullivan, and the Secretaries, Mrs. Lila Boyd and Mrs. Mary Higa, for writing our letters, arranging our trips and interviews, and giving us the benefit of their wis- dom and experience. Respectfully submitted, SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE Mrs. Anthony John Telich, Chairman Mr. La Verne W. Browne Mrs. Thomas H. Gibson, Secretary Mrs. Lillian Lee Mrs. Robert C. Moriarty Mrs. Marjori Hunt Pierson ADOPTIONS -- See Addenda Addenda 47 SPECIAL REPORT ON ADOPTION PROCEDURES BY THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TO THE 1960 LOS ANGELES COUNTY GRAND JURY May 2, 1960 Having received complaints concerning overcharges by attorneys and doctors, and large payments to the natural mother, in inde- pendent adoption cases, and unduly long delays and unjust decis- ions as to the suitability of prospective adoptive parents in agency adoptions, the Social Services Committee has held several hearings on the subject. At various times, the following persons have testified before the committee and other interested members of the Grand Jury: Mr. Walter A. Heath -- Los Angeles County Bureau of Adoptions Superior Court Judge Ben A. Koenig -- Presently presiding in adoption cases Superior Court Judge Lewis Drucker -- Formerly presided over adoption cases Dr. Frances Holmes -- Chairman, Committee on Adoptions, Los Angeles County Medical Association Mr. Frederick Field -- Legal Advisor, Los Angeles County Medical Association Mr. James H. Dennison -- Member, California State Bar Associa- tion Committee on Adoptions Mr. Robert M. Dulin -- Member, California State Bar Associa- tion Committee on Adoptions The following conclusions have been reached: A. Due to the emotional factors involved, it has been found diffi- cult to secure sufficient evidence to successfully prosecute either doctors or attorneys involved in the "traffic in babies." B. The only statute in California which prohibits the sale of per- sons is antiquated and outmoded, having been passed shortly af- ter the close of the Civil War. Its primary purpose is to pro- hibit the sale of persons into slavery. (Penal Code Section 181) C. Neither the medical nor the legal associations are able to ade- quately punish or control the members of their own professions. l. Many doctors do not belong to the medical associations. 2. The only control over non-association members is exercised by the State Board of Examiners. 3. They have no way of determining which doctors or attorneys are instrumental in the placement and adoption of unusually large numbers of children. D. Both independent and agency adoptions should be retained. 1. In independent adoptions, the natural mother is given great- 48 er discretionary powers as to with whom the child is to be placed. a. Adoptions can be better controlled as to ethnic and re- ligious background. b. Children may be placed with persons of good health, good standing in the community, better than average fin- ancial position, even though they may be over the arbi- trary age limit set for agency adoptions. c. There is less embarrassment for the natural mother. 2. In agency adoptions, the child must be relinquished to the agency and placed wherever they decide. a. Agencies are well qualified to meet the needs of the abandoned child, the orphan, and those children given up by the natural parent who has no relations that can take the child, and those who are unable to place the child through independent sources. b. Agencies are equipped to find homes for many "hard to place" children, i.e., minority groups or the physically handicapped. E. We feel that the following suggestions are very worthy of con- sideration and should heartily like to add our endorsement to the introduction of legislation to cover them. 1. The Los Angeles County Medical Association recommends: a. An over-all "adoptions screening board" to receive in- dependent reports from the social service agencies, doc- tors and attorneys, and to make the final decision as to the qualifications of the adopting family, the physical, mental, religious, and ethnological background of the minor child being considered for adoption. b. In the case of independent adoptions, that all fees be paid into the attorney's trustee account, he in turn mak- ing all disbursements for legal and medical charges, be- ing required to declare, under oath, the manner in which said monies have been disbursed. c. Scale of fees which may be charged. 2. The State Bar Association Committee on Adoptions recommends the same procedure as in 1-b above. a. Fees of attorneys should be set by court in each case. b. Adopting parents should pay only hospital, doctors, drugs, and legal fees. They are opposed to support payments to the natural monther on two counts: 49 (1) Constitutes "buying" of baby. (2) Have been paying for their own support during that time and should not be obligated for the support of the natural mother as well. c. If the lawyer handling the legal end of the adoption for either the natural parent or the adopting parents finds any monies are being paid outside of the trustee ac- count, he should withdraw from the case. F. The Social Services Committee of the 1960 Los Angeles County Grand Jury endorse the recommendations of the State Bar Associ- ation and of the Los Angeles County Medical Association and make the following further recommendations: 1. The inclusion in any legislation concerning adoptions, the requirement that a record be kept of all doctors and attor- neys participating in any adoptions in the state of Cali- fornia, and the fees charged, in the office of the Attorney General, so that any indication of too heavy a "work load" in this field and consistently high fees could be properly and immediately investigated. 2. Uniform adoption laws for all states, so that interstate a- doptions could be properly controlled. 3. A series of round table conferences between legal, judi- cial, medical, and social service agency representatives in the attempt to reach an accord in the procedures to be fol- lowed by all in adoptions. SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MRS. ANTHONY JOHN TELICH, CHAIRMAN MR. LA VERNE W. BROWNE MRS. THOMAS H. GIBSON, SECRETARY MRS. LILLIAN LEE MRS. ROBERT C. MORIARTY MRS. MARJORI HUNT PIERSON 51 RESOLUTION OF THE 1960 LOS ANGELES COUNTY GRAND JURY RECOMMENDING THAT THERE BE AT LEAST TWO GRAND JURIES NAMED FOR LOS ANGELES COUNTY WHEREAS, the Grand Jury is charged by law, Penal Code Section 928, with "the duty ... to investigate and report upon the needs of all county officers ... including the abolition or creation of offices and the equipment for, or the method or system of performing the duties ..."; and, WHEREAS, the Grand Jury is also charged to investigate any suspect- ed violation of the law, Penal Code Section 911 and 917; and WHEREAS, the population of the County will continue to increase in the foreseeable future; and WHEREAS, county government now comprises some fifty-seven depart- ments with a budget of over half a billon dollars; and WHEREAS, law enforcement activities and related responsibilities have been increasing twice as rapidly as population; and WHEREAS, the present Grand Jury of nineteen members cannot effect- ively examine both law enforcement and county government each year; IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the State Legislature be asked to re- vise the statutes applying to the Grand Jury System to provide that: There be at least two concurrent Grand Juries named by the Superior Court for Los Angeles County: One for the hearing of felony cases; One for the examination of county government. IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED FURTHER that the Board of Supervisors be asked to use its office to secure from the State Legislature a re- vision of the Penal Code which will put the above recommendation into effect. IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED FURTHER that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to: Each member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors; Judge of the Superior Court presiding over the Grand Jury; Each member of the State Legislature from Los Angeles County; Chief Administrative Officer; County Counsel. Respectfully submitted, F. A. WALSH, Foreman HARRY WEMBRIDGE, Chairman Audit and Legislative Committee 53 RESOLUTION OF THE 1960 LOS ANGELES COUNTY GRAND JURY CONCERNING CRIMINAL ABORTION WHEREAS, this Grand Jury, through its investigations and inquir- ies, has become aware of an increasingly serious criminal abortion problem, existing not only in Los Angeles County, but throughout the State of California as well; and WHEREAS, it has been reported to this Grand Jury that abortion and abortion-mill prosecutions have greatly increased in Los Angeles County during the last two years, reaching a peak of approximately one dozen case filings per month by the District Attorney's Office, and approximately fifteen prosecutable abortion-homicide case fil- ings per year; and WHEREAS, there apparently has been substantial disregard of the abortion laws of this state, with resulting human hardship, suf- fering and tragedy for many unfortunate members of an uninformed public; and WHEREAS, a small number of abortee-witnesses.in cases heard by this Grand Jury, would have been spared from undue hardship and suffering had there been available a procedure for obtaining a law- ful therapeutic abortion: and WHEREAS the Senate Interim Judiciary Committee has recently con- ducted a preliminary investigation into this matter; BE IT RESOLVED AND RECOMMENDED BY THIS GRAND JURY that the Senate Judiciary Committee further investigate and inquire into the grow- ing problem of criminal abortion in the State of California, and seriously consider submitting for passage to the California State Senate legislation allowing (with proper controls) therapeutic abortion in the small percentage of cases where human hardship so dictates, that is: (1) Where sound medical judgment indicates that pregnancy would seriously endanger a woman's physical or mental health, and (2) Where sound medical judgment indicates that the child may very likely be born with a serious congenital defect, and (3) Where pregnancy results from forcible rape, incest or moral irresponsibility or in girls under the age of fourteen. IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED FURTHER that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Chairman and each member of the Senate Judiciary Committee of the State Legislature, each member of the State Legis- lature from Los Angeles County, each member of the County Board of Supervisors, Presiding Judge, Criminal Master Calendar Department of the Superior Court, County Counsel, and Los Angeles County Dis- trict Attorney. LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE A RECOMMENDATION OF THE 1960 L. A. COUNTY GRAND JURY In the course of our Grand Jury service there has been brought before us cases where law enforcement officers and other Civil Service employees have taken advantage of their official positions and have violated their oath of office by the commission of fel- onies, for which they have been indicted, brought to trial, and adjudged guilty. Such acts are not only shocking to the citizenry who have placed their trust and confidence in these individuals but it becomes a travesty on their oath of office when they are paid pensions, supposedly earned for their accomplishment of a term of faithful service. We understand that it will require legislative action to cor- rect this evil. To this end, we stongly urge that both houses of our California Legislature take steps to bring about immediate changes in our laws so as to deny any pension or other service connected payments or bonuses to any civil service employee who has been convicted by due process of law of a felony involving moral turpitude while so employed. To permit a Civil Service employe convicted of a felony to be- come a pensioner during his term of confinement for his crime or after his release is a mockery of our society. In fairness to the individual so convicted, we suggest that the law denying him a pension would provide for the repayment to him of his contributions to the pension fund and at no future time would he be entitled to receive any further amounts. Furthermore, we strongly urge that this matter be brought to the attention of future grand juries and to the Past Grand Jurors Association, as it is our feeling that they will appreciate and endorse this recommendation to our Legislature in the interest of strengthening the moral character of our civil servants in whom we, as citizens and taxpayers, place our trust and confidence to safeguard and protect our laws and to conserve our public re- LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE