Judicial Committee Final Report - Juvenile Assessment Center*

Conclusions 1

• CL1
  The Probation Department and Juvenile Counselors are doing an outstanding job administering a comprehensive program of education, as well as overseeing juvenile offenders. Early identification of juvenile offenders, and the diagnosis and treatment of underlying problems, need to be improved. This Department is looking for ways to save and increase funds while increasing the capabilities. The proposed new Juvenile Detention Center is a necessity. At the same time, the Grand Jury recommends that the county continue to plan to meet the need for a non-secure facility as a step-down unit. It is believed that most "At-risk" children start showing identifying signs in early grade school. "At-risk" children need to be identified earlier in order to reduce teen-age crime. 30-DAY RESPONSES REQUESTED FROM: Board of Supervisors, Trial Court Judges, Chief Probation Officer iminity count SUPERIOR COURT P.O. Box 1258 (530) 623-1208 Weaverville, California 96093-1258 May 17, 2000 Ralph Modine, Chairman Trinity County Board of Supervisors P.O. Box 1258 Weaverville, CA 96093 Pat Hamilton, Foreperson 1999-2000 Trinity County Grand Jury P.O. Box 1117 Weaverville, CA 96093 RE: Response to 1999-2000 Trinity County Grand Jury Final Report on the Juvenile Assessment Center I agree with Finding #1. I believe Recommendation #1 is being implemented by the Probation Department. I agree with Finding #2, and I believe the cooperation between the Probation Department and the Trinity County Office of Education is good. I agree that open communication and cooperation are essential in order to best incorporate the new detention center in the overall plan for alternative education opportunities. I agree with Finding #3. I believe the cost analyses recommended are part of the planning for the new detention facility. I agree with Finding #4. With regard to Recommendation #4 I feel there is less need for a video arraignment procedure in juvenile cases, and greater policy reasons for juveniles to be present in court for all stages of their cases. This is particularly significant in order to encourage parental involvement. I would be happy to participate on a committee to evaluate the possibility of video arraignment equipment at the new detention center. I agree with Finding #5. Recommendation #5 is very general and could run the risk of "tagging" certain children as pre-identified "trouble makers". This concept is fraught with difficulties. On the other hand, there is no doubt that early intervention through behavioral health staff and probation staff is very important and should be pursued by all county departments. There are several programmatic plans presently in the works to do this, and I support each of them. Very truly yours, JOI Presiding Judge of the Superior Court Terry Lee, Chief Probation Officer CC: Anthony C. Edwards, Judge of the Superior Court Jim French, Superintendent Trinity County Office of Education . 1 6 tminity county RECEIVED TRINITY COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT SEP 2 8 2000 Post Office Box 158 Weaverville, CA 96093 SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE'S CHAMBERS Telephone (530) 623-1204 Fax (530) 623-1237 TERRY LEE, Chief Probation Officer MEMORANDUM John K. Letton, Judge Superior Court TO: Board of Supervisors Terry Lee, Chief Probation Officer FROM: DATE: May 5, 2000 Response to Grand Jury's Final Report on the Juvenile Assessment RE: Center I have reviewed and considered the findings of the Grand Jury. These findings are both thoughtful and insightful in regard to the Juvenile Assessment Center. This Department continues to make every effort to ensure public safety while affording minors opportunities at rehabilitation and accountability for their actions. I concur with the findings of the Grand Jury and it is my intention to explore all fiscally viable options for operating the Trinity County Secure Juvenile Detention Facility. This department enters into contracts for food and medical services that make fiscal sense and comply with Title 15 standards. This department continues to actively seek federal and state grant monies to offset the financial costs of operating a full time Juvenile Hall. Recently this department was awarded a three-year grant to purchase the equipment necessary to provide for the safe and secure transportation of detained minors. 1 There should be no misunderstanding in regard to the operational philosophy of this department. This department continues to believe in the possibilities of change for those young people who enter into the criminal justice system. We are building a secure detention facility that will provide fiscal relief to the rising costs of out of county detention and the opportunity to provide programming that addresses local needs and concerns. The Trinity County Juvenile Detention Facility is in no way an indication that there is a substantial out of control criminal population of youthful offenders in Trinity County. Trinity County will simply be able to apply the ultimate consequence for minors who are temporarily beyond control and in need of immediate sanctions for their actions. Majorities of our youth involved in the criminal justice system respond well to progressive intervention services. The Trinity County Juvenile Assessment Center has served that purpose and served it well. With dedicated and professionally trained staff the Juvenile Assessment Center has been a place for youth to engage in community work projects, address substance abuse and behavioral issues that are impeding success in their lives. However good the Juvenile Assessment Center is, it is limited in meeting the needs of those few minors who must have secure detention. It is our intention that the new Trinity County Juvenile Hall incorporates the best elements of the Juvenile Assessment Center while still providing secure detention for minors. Thank you again for your continued commitment to quality government and support for Juvenile programs in Trinity County. COUN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS P.O. Drawer 1613 (530) 623-1217 WEAVERVILLE, CALIFORNIA 96093 Dero B. Forslund, Clerk Jeannie Nix-Temple, County Administrative Officer July 19, 2000 TORVED To: Honorable John K. Letton, Presiding Judge Superior Court From: Supervisor Robert A. Reiss RECEIVED Subject: 1999-2000 Trinity County Grand Jury Report Juvenile Assessment Center MO" 1379 SUMM FOR COURTJUDGE 5 CHAMBERS Dear Judge Letton, The following response is provided as requested regarding the above report: Recommendation #1: I agree with the recommendation. Recommendation #2: I agree with the recommendation. I also support having a backup plan in place to meet the educational needs of the incarcerated juveniles, should the new facility become filled to capacity. Recommendation #3: I agree with the recommendation. I support preparing cost analysis for services at the new facility. Recommendation #4: I agree with the recommendation. I would suggest that either the CAO or the Auditor be included on a committee designed to study the needs for a video arraignment center, mainly for the purpose of determining if the County would be responsible for a portion of the cost of the equipment or maintenance. Recommendation #5: I agree with the recommendation concerning the present programs. While I support early intervention and education regarding potential alcohol/drug abuse and juvenile offenders, I have a concern about creating a program based on referrals from teachers, parents, and/or concerned citizens. I support educating teachers, parents and concerned citizens as to what programs may be available, and the correct procedure to access them. I would like to thank the Grand Jury for their work and the recommendations. Sincerely, Robert A. Reiss Board of Supervisors -144- CHRIS ERIKSON PAUL FACKRELL RALPH MODINE BERRY STEWART ROBERT REISS District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5

No Responses Found 2

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