Stanislaus County Probation Department*

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recruiting community volunteers to assist in the staffing of the computer lab classroom. Response: The department agrees with the finding and includes the following information. The computer classroom in the Juvenile Commitment Facility is currently being utilized two times a week for vocational programming using the Paxton-Patterson Building Skills Program. A select number of Probation Corrections Officers have gone through the extensive Paxton-Patterson training course in order to instruct youth in blue print reading, electrical installation, wall framing and plumbing. When the Juvenile Commitment Facility opened its doors in June 2013, it was anticipated that the computer lab would be fully utilized by both probation staff and the Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE). SCOE has experienced staffing reductions and therefore, is not able to use the lab as planned. The Probation Department has likewise experienced staffing issues and is in the process of hiring and training Probation Corrections Officers. The department has encountered delays in filling vacant positions due to the extensive background requirements of peace officer candidates. Additionally, new officers must complete an extensive training program prior to supervising youth in the facility. Despite the delays in filling positions, minimum staffing ratios, as required by Title 15 Minimum Standards for Juvenile Facilities, are being met. In addition to supervising youth in the facilities, Probation Corrections Officers are responsible for providing cognitive-based programs, culinary arts training, recreational services, and horticulture education. All of these programs are fully implemented. The Probation Department recently added six Probation Corrections Officer positions as a part of Stanislaus County's Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Proposed Budget process. Once the Probation Department is able to fill these new positions, it is anticipated that we can pursue implementing the computer lab as intended. Recruitment of volunteers that specialize in information technology will be considered as an option to assist in developing the program; however, it should be recognized that volunteers must meet background requirements and the Probation Department cannot implement the program using volunteers solely without also providing adequate staffing to supervise minors while they are in the program. Juvenile Hall

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tiles in the common shower areas. Response: The department agrees with this finding. The recommendation is in the process of being implemented. Every shower area with the Juvenile Hall was inspected. The shower area within Unit 3 is in need of minor grout repair. A maintenance work order has been submitted. It is anticipated that the work will be completed within the next several weeks.

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Recommendation: The Stanislaus County Probation Department should re-paint cells that have paint issues. Response: The department agrees with the finding and the recommendation has been implemented. All of the cells as detailed in the Grand Jury report have been repainted. Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the comments and recommendations of the 2015-2016 Civil Grand Jury. Please extend my appreciation to the members for their time and efforts in conducting a thorough site visit. Sincerely, Jill Silva Chief Probation Officer Stanislaus County Probation Department Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors CC: Stan Risen, Chief Executive Officer John P. Doering, County Counsel 3