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Findings and Recommendations 6 findings
F1
SYC is one of very few gender-responsive treatment facilities for adolescent girls in the State. A gender-responsive program is one that acknowledges that gender makes a difference. It has comprehensive services integrating policy and practice that target the female's pathway to criminality, and creates an environment of safety, respect and dignity. This type of program addresses the unique issues of substance abuse, trauma, mental health, 7 physical abuse and economic marginality. Consideration is also given to the general physiological differences, reproduction, and gender roles.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors should take all necessary steps to retain the program at SYC, even if budget cuts are required for the Probation Department. SYC must be allowed and given appropriate time to fully develop into a gender-responsive program, and prove its true benefit to our communities.
F2
While emphasizing behavior modification and support services to transition girls successfully back into the family unit, school and community, SYC is cognizant of the need for vocational services. Currently there are some opportunities directed towards vocational programming through the Assistance Dog Program, Mural Project, and Weekend Work Crew. However, only the Work-Ready program is certified. On the other hand Probation Camp has firmly established marketable vocational programs in place for the boys, providing skills verification for employers.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The Probation Department should enhance existing programs at SYC, and expand them to include certified vocational programs. It should develop and/or make available trainings comparable to those offered to the boys at Probation Camp, including a Culinary Arts Program. This can be done by bringing a chef back to SYC, which will provide vocational training and offer a positive role model. 9
F3
The Probation Camp has a full time chef who prepares food for the boys, and teaches culinary skills. At SYC the girls prepare their own breakfast and receive their other meals from the Juvenile Justice Center food services.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Until a new facility for SYC can be realized, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors should make all necessary upgrades to the existing physical location to enhance the therapeutic environment. The following improvements are needed immediately: Furnish and install an Intercom system Furnish and install indoor and outdoor cameras Repair the existing access road to SYC
F4
The physical building at SYC is old, outdated and is not conducive to a therapeutic environment. Although it has been grandfathered into the Corrections Standards Authority for inspection, that practice “gives the impression that a facility is adequate, when in reality the opposite may be true.” The Corrections Standards Authority inspection found that the physical plant at SYC does not provide a setting similar to the level found at Probation Camp. It encouraged County leaders to place a high priority on replacing the facility for SYC.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The Probation Department should establish and secure the necessary space requirements for conducting all programs, so that SYC staff does not have to search out available space/rooms, move equipment and supplies, nor rearrange schedules. Similar Type One fire-resistive reinforced concrete construction, now being occupied by SYC, exists nearby and can be re-occupied as I-3 Occupancy under the Uniform Building Code.
F5
Neither SYC nor Probation Camp are state mandated programs. The Juvenile Justice System in Sonoma County is currently undergoing an evaluation, as one part of a study looking at the County’s adult criminal justice system. This part of the study is expected to be completed by fall of 2009. Furthermore, the County’s strategic plan encourages best practices, effective rehabilitation, and further upstream allocation of resources; an early intervention approach that focuses on changing societal influences.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
The Probation Department should be required to explain the expense anomaly between SYC and Probation Camp, given the difference in staff size and number of juveniles served. Providing transparency will lead to more equitable allocation of resources and adequate funding for SYC.
F6
After extensive review of financial records, the Grand Jury did not receive an adequate explanation as to why there is such a disparity in programs between the two youth facilities, given the apparent parity in funding. Conclusions Both SYC and Probation Camp programs serve a highly beneficial purpose in our County by addressing the needs of one of our most valuable resources, our youth. Recognizing the importance and value placed on upstream programs, the Grand Jury strongly advises the Board of Supervisors to take all measures necessary to improve and strengthen the SYC program. Allowing SYC the chance to develop its gender-responsive program is clearly aligned with what the 8 Board of Supervisors intended when the County transitioned SYC to an all female facility. It is generally recognized in social scientific literature that prison inmates are less well educated and have fewer marketable job skills than the overall population. Providing at-risk youth with employment opportunities through academic and vocational education is an essential strategy to discourage future delinquency and incarcerations. This strategy is also believed to be the most cost-effective. SYC is a young program and is currently lacking in vocational opportunities for the female residents. Probation Camp has been in existence for more than 50 years and its vocational training is firmly established in the Juvenile Justice System of Sonoma County. While current activities at SYC are worthwhile in terms of education and therapy, much more is needed to serve this most vulnerable population. Although, the age and population at SYC is different from that at Probation Camp, the need for vocational opportunities is no less important for the young women. By effectively utilizing an upstream allocation of resources, all of the at-risk youth programs could be successful. Commendations The Director and staff at SYC are to be commended for the outstanding work they have done with the minimal resources available. They have successfully transitioned girls returning to their homes, schools and community. Sonoma County prides itself on having a progressive and forward-thinking government and these programs are fine examples of that. If SYC is given the chance to fully develop, just as Probation Camp has, Sonoma County could continue to lead the way and be a model of success through its gender-responsive girls program. Recommendations
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
Immediately upon completion of the current Juvenile Justice study, the Probation Department should furnish the Grand Jury with its findings. Required responses to Findings Board of Supervisors – F-4 Chief Probation Officer – F-3, F-6 Required responses to Recommendations Board of Supervisors – R-1, R-3 Chief Probation Officer – R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6 Requested responses Board of Supervisors – F-6, R-2, R-5 Chief Probation Officer – R-1 10
Conclusions 1
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CL1 Page 4Both SYC and Probation Camp programs serve a highly beneficial purpose in our County by addressing the needs of one of our most valuable resources, our youth. Recognizing the importance and value placed on upstream programs, the Grand Jury strongly advises the Board of Supervisors to take all measures necessary to improve and strengthen the SYC program. Allowing SYC the chance to develop its gender-responsive program is clearly aligned with what the 8 Board of Supervisors intended when the County transitioned SYC to an all female facility. It is generally recognized in social scientific literature that prison inmates are less well educated and have fewer marketable job skills than the overall population. Providing at-risk youth with employment opportunities through academic and vocational education is an essential strategy to discourage future delinquency and incarcerations. This strategy is also believed to be the most cost-effective. SYC is a young program and is currently lacking in vocational opportunities for the female residents. Probation Camp has been in existence for more than 50 years and its vocational training is firmly established in the Juvenile Justice System of Sonoma County. While current activities at SYC are worthwhile in terms of education and therapy, much more is needed to serve this most vulnerable population. Although, the age and population at SYC is different from that at Probation Camp, the need for vocational opportunities is no less important for the young women. By effectively utilizing an upstream allocation of resources, all of the at-risk youth programs could be successful.
Commendations 1
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CM1 Page 5The Director and staff at SYC are to be commended for the outstanding work they have done with the minimal resources available. They have successfully transitioned girls returning to their homes, schools and community. Sonoma County prides itself on having a progressive and forward-thinking government and these programs are fine examples of that. If SYC is given the chance to fully develop, just as Probation Camp has, Sonoma County could continue to lead the way and be a model of success through its gender-responsive girls program.
No Responses Found 2
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
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