County of Sacramento Probation Department

R1

(R1) The Grand Jury recommends Probation and providers collect and record all data regarding offender’s recidivism, attendance, participation, and completion and input it in the BTP portal on a weekly basis starting January 1, 2026. Response: The recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be implemented within a year of submission of this report. Reliable data is essential for supporting accountability, improving services, and reducing reoffending. The lack of standardized data collection practices and inconsistent reporting from contracted services providers have contributed to these gaps. This recommendation is being implemented and corrective actions beginning January 2025 are underway including:  Updated Reporting Requirements for Providers – All service contracts are being revised including clear, enforceable data reporting standards. Providers are required to submit monthly reports with verified attendance, participation, and completion statistics and failures to comply may result in contract penalties or termination.  Improving the centralized data system (DV Portal) – This will provide real-time tracking of offender progress, attendance, and outcomes across all programs.  Staff Training and Oversight – Probation staff will receive updated training on accurate documentation practice and the need for data integrity. This will also be shared with providers to train their staff to ensure compliance with new protocols.  State law (PC 1203.097) does not require the counties or any state entity to track the data the State needs to evaluate offenders’ completion or programs and the program’s effectiveness at stopping domestic violence. To ensure all program providers and probation Departments require offenders to attend programs consistently, the Courts should define “unexcused absences, failure, termination, successfully completing, attendance, and participation” to ensure all program providers use a consistent approach to identifying successfulness in the programs.  The Department is strengthening its record retention policies to ensure compliance with local and state regulations including all case files, attendance logs, progress reports, and outcomes to be retained for a minimum of 5 years from the date of case closure or program completion, unless otherwise stated by law. Providers will be contractually obligated to follow the same standards and make records available for audit or review upon request.

R2

(R2) The Grand Jury recommends Probation initiate a risk assessment evaluation for appropriate placement of offenders in a BTP tailored to meet individual needs by January 1, 2026. Response: The recommendation has been implemented. Once the court places an offender on formal probation, state law requires the Probation Department to conduct an initial assessment of that individual, including social and economic background, education, criminal history, medical history, and substance abuse history. Currently, the Department, at the client's initial intake, screens participants using the validated, dynamic Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI) assessment tool to determine their criminogenic risks and areas of need. During the interview, officers review general and special terms and conditions of supervision and make appropriate referrals as necessary. As part of the intake process, a Human Services Specialist, a Registered Nurse, and a Senior Mental Health Clinician see the clients. These resources are critical in linking clients to services such as Medi-Cal, General Assistance, 6 CalFresh, mental health, medical, and drug and alcohol treatment. In addition, clients receive information about employment, vocational training, construction pre- apprenticeship programs, and education opportunities (GED or enrollment in community colleges). Once the screening and intake process is complete, clients are transferred to the appropriate level of supervision. In addition to having the offender referred to a BTP provider, the program providers must also assess offenders to ensure they are suited to a program and communicate to the Probation Department if they are not.

R3

(R3) The Grand Jury recommends Probation add a risk assessment at the conclusion of the BTP by January 1, 2026, to determine the effectiveness of the program and increase support and treatment opportunities for those likely to reoffend. Response: The recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be within a year of submission of this report. Post treatment evaluation is critical to understanding the program’s effectiveness and continued support and monitoring of clients who remain at risk of offending. Currently, clients are assessed at intake using validated tools such as the LS/CMI, which informs case plans and treatment referrals. It is recommended batterer’s program providers should be conducting standardized discharge reviews and/or risk assessments at the conclusion of treatment including:  An assessment of behavioral progress and program participation.  A clinical evaluation of remaining risk factors.  Recommendations for continued services and support. The Department will work to enhance our collaboration with our BP providers to ensure the goals of treatment are thoroughly evaluated and supported at the conclusion of programming.

R4

(R4) The Grand Jury recommends Probation require all providers follow an evidence-based model that addresses individual needs by January 1, 2026. Response: The recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be implemented within a year of submission of this report. The Department is working with all certified BTP providers to ensure they follow evidence- based treatment models which are rooted in established domestic violence intervention practices. These models emphasize accountability, behavior change, and the reduction of future harm while also allowing for the flexibility to address individual risk and responsivity factors. Under California Penal Code sections 1203.097 and 1203.098, all 7 batterers’ treatment programs must be approved and monitored by the designated local oversight agency which in most counites is the Probation Department. These laws also require that providers assess the individual needs of each participant through intake procedures, progress monitoring, and case coordination with probation officers. These assessments inform tailored interventions, including referrals to additional services such as mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, parenting classes, or trauma informed care when appropriate. While the legal framework and current practices already support individualized, evidence-based programming, the Department remains committed to continuous improvement. Effective this fiscal year (2025/2026), Probation will require all providers to formally document their use of an approved evidence-based curriculum and demonstrate how their programming aligns with individual client assessments. This requirement will be monitored through the provider approval and renewal process, as well as program audits and data collection efforts.

R5

(R5) The Grand Jury recommends that Probation implement a provider application and approval process, including a formal Request for Qualifications (RFQ), for the certification and re-certification of providers by January 1, 2026. Response: The recommendation has been implemented. The Department’s comprehensive application, evaluation, and approval process for all BTP contracts and service providers is documented in our Department’s Batterer’s Program Standards and Procedures, as well as our Batterer’s Provider Program Certification Policy. The Department requires all prospective providers to:  Respond to a Request for Qualifications during the open application period.  Demonstrate alignment with evidence-based practices, including use of validated curriculum, culturally competent service delivery, and measurable outcomes.  Provide documentation of staff credentials, organizational qualifications, and programming methodologies. A Batterer’s Program Evaluation Committee composed of Department staff and subject matter experts review all applicants to ensure an impartial and thorough evaluation. In addition to initial approval, the Department maintains protocols for:  Annual performance reviews and site visits to assess service quality, participant engagement, and outcomes.  Recertification requirements for programs operating under legislative mandates (Ca. Penal Code section 1203.097).  Corrective action procedures for providers found out of compliance with program standards, reporting requirements, or contractual obligations. Although the Department already maintains a formal application and oversight process, reviewing and updating our evaluation tools to enhance clarity, promote equity, and ensure consistency across BTP service providers is a standard practice for improvements to support quality service delivery and successful outcomes for the participants we serve. 8

R6

(R6) The Grand Jury recommends Probation solicit input from criminal justice agencies and domestic violence victim advocacy programs as required by statute for the development of the RFQ by January 1, 2026. Response: The recommendation has been implemented. In accordance with California Penal Code section 1203.098 and other applicable laws, the Department consults with local criminal justice partners including the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender, Court representatives, and law enforcement agencies in determining the planning and development of the RFQ’s and service standards. In addition, the Department engages with domestic violence victim advocacy organizations such as the Sacramento Family Justice Center to gather input on program needs, victim safety concerns, and culturally appropriate service delivery. While the Department is already meeting statutory consultation requirements, we remain committed to strengthening our partnerships and expanding opportunities for stakeholder input. The Department values and incorporates the expertise of our criminal justice and advocacy partners in all phases of provider oversight and development and will continue to foster these essential collaborations.

R7

(R7) The Grand Jury recommends Probation collaborate with neighboring counties, especially those taking part in the pilot program such as Yolo County for shared knowledge and training of providers in the use of CBT by January 1, 2026. Response: The recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be implemented within a year of submission of this report. The value of regional collaboration in advancing effective, evidence-based practices is supported by Probation. AB 372, in conjunction with AB 479, allows pilot counties to have flexibility to tailor the length and intensity of batterer’s treatment programs using the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a new assessment tool (Risk Needs Responsivity) which can be used both before, and after completion of treatment to evaluate the risk of reoffending, identify factors that contribute to criminal behavior, and determine the most appropriate and effective interventions based on the offender’s characteristics. The Department will initiate outreach to Yolo County Probation Department to explore the development of a pilot program offering a shortened batterer’s treatment program model. This model will be informed by evidence-based practices, including CBT, and will align with AB 1950, which authorizes counties to implement shorter treatment durations in certain cases where justified. Importantly, the shortened program structure will be designed to align with shorter probation terms while maintaining core goals of accountability, education, and behavior change. The Department looks forward to developing a pilot model that reflects this legislative direction and enhances our capacity to supervise, support, and rehabilitate participants under our care. 9

R8

(R8) The Grand Jury recommends Probation request funding from the Community Corrections Act (SB 678) and the Community Corrections Partnership (CCP) and any state, federal, or other grant issuing entities to help subsidize payment of BTP fees for indigent offenders by June 30, 2026. Response: The recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be implemented within a year of submission of this report. Access to mandated treatment should not be limited by an individual’s financial means, especially when successful participation plays a critical role in their court ordered conditions of probation, victim safety, behavior change, and reduced reoffending. The cost of a 52-week Batterer’s Treatment Program can present a major barrier for participants with limited income. However, in accordance with Penal Code section 1203.097(P), an indigent defendant may negotiate a deferred payment schedule, but shall pay a nominal fee, if the defendant has the ability to pay the nominal fee. Upon a hearing and a finding by the court that the defendant does not have the financial ability to pay the nominal fee, the court shall waive this fee. When fees are unaffordable, participants may face program non-compliance resulting in probation violations and missed opportunities for rehabilitation. The Probation Department will pursue available funding streams to help subsidize payment of BP fees for indigent offenders by doing the following.  Explore existing county funding options to subsidize payment for BP fees for indigent offenders, including funding through CCP (Assembly Bill 109).  Work collaboratively with BP providers to standardize financial hardship assessments and improve consistency in sliding scale determinations, supporting that subsidy resources are allocated fairly and transparently.  Identify and apply for additional grant opportunities including victim services, behavioral health, and domestic violence related funding streams that may support full or partial subsidy of treatment costs. The Department cannot request additional SB 678 funding as it is an allocation based on a formula to reward performance. SB 678 funds are intended to support programs and services that reduce prison commitment and improve probation outcomes. The state determines each county’s share by reviewing performance indicators. While BP Program funding is consistent with the intended use, the Department cannot request additional funds for specific programs. The Department remains committed to ensuring that participants can access critical rehabilitative services regardless of their financial situation. The Department remains committed to supporting that participants can access critical rehabilitative serves regardless of their financial situation. 10