2024-2025 Grand Jury Report: Harmony Haven, Who’s Watching the Kids?

R2

The Riverside County Civil Grand Jury recommends that RSO expand their presence to 24 hours per day, and increase the number of deputies by two for a total of four on rotating shifts. Based on Findings: F-2 Implementation: January 1, 2026 Financial Impact: High STAFF MEMBER OVERSIGHT AND AUTHORITY

R3

DPSS should contact the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to identify any flexibilities in following the provisions of the Foster Youth Bill of Rights . Providing staff members with the ability to limit the children’s use of cell phones, reject their refusal to receive prescribed medications, or attend school, will give them greater influence in preventing disruptive episodes. DPSS should provide all communications between CDSS on this matter to provide evidence that they have pursued this issue. Based on Findings: F-3 Implementation: January 1, 2026 Financial Impact: Minor to Moderate 15 TRANSPORTATION

R4

The Riverside County Civil Grand Jury recommends that DPSS pursue the use of outside transportation services for taking children to school. DPSS should provide documented evidence of contact with at least two transportation services. In the interim, there should be an avoidance in using personal vehicles for transporting children. Based on Findings: F-4 Implementation: January 1, 2026 Financial Impact: Moderate to High

R5

The Riverside County Civil Grand Jury recommends that DPSS issue letters to the major rideshare companies notifying them that there are unaccompanied, underage children at foster care facilities thereby suggesting drivers screen the riders before accepting the fare at these locations. Based on Findings: F-5 Implementation January 1, 2026 Financial Impact: Minimal ACTIVITIES

R6

The Riverside County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the following activities be considered at HHCYC: • Gym – offer children various sports such as basketball, volleyball, and table tennis as well as dance, exercise, movies, lectures, and guest speakers. • Classrooms – offer instruction on computer use, art, and music, as well as life fundamentals such as, how to create a resume, present oneself at a job interview, and develop proper speaking skills. • Pool (once refurbished) - offer swimming lessons, water polo, exercise classes. • Farm - place animals such as sheep, goats, therapy horses, chickens, and ducks on the property to teach children about the responsibility of feeding, grooming, and basic care of animals. Invite animal rescue organizations to bring in their animals for the day. • Occupations - Invite guests who can speak about different trades that the children can pursue. • Assign murals throughout the grounds that children can design and paint. Based on Findings: F-6 Implementation: Starting January 1, 2026 Financial Impact: Minimal to Moderate 16 ~ REQUIRED RESPONDENTS According to California Penal Code §933, governing bodies have 90 days to respond to grand jury report findings and recommendations. The California Penal Code §933.05 outlines the parameters within which governing bodies are permitted to respond. Department Findings Recommendations Riverside County Board of Supervisors F-1 through F-6 R-1 through R-6 INVITED RESPONDENTS Agencies/ Departments Findings Recommendations California Department of Social F-1 through F-6 R-1 through R-6 Services RIVCO DPSS F-1 through F-6 R-1 through R-6 RUHS Behavioral Health F-1 R-1 RIVCO Executive Office F-1 through F-6 R-1 through R-6 Report Issued Date: 4-29-2025 Report Public Date: 5-2-2025 Response Due Date: 8-2-2025 17