BOS

R1

That the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors and the Probation Department explore options to increase utilization of the facility. This recommendation will not be implemented. The utilization of Los Prietos Boys Camp (LPBC) should be reserved for those that pose a significant risk to the community or whose ongoing treatment needs cannot be safely addressed in the community. Removing youth from their families and the community and placing them in a juvenile facility is a decision that should not be taken lightly and has been associated with poor physical and mental health outcomes later in adulthood. Unless the benefit of the services provided at LPBC clearly outweighs the detriment of being incarcerated, detention itself is counterproductive to the goals of treatment, rehabilitation, and is harmful to the youth. The Probation Department has worked purposefully to reduce the number of youth housed in secure detention while ensuring that local practices are aligned with the evidence and research within the field of Juvenile Justice. Presently, LPBC is undergoing a full program redesign. Taking into consideration the current demographics and criminogenic needs of the population. LPBC is being revamped to better address youth brain development, trauma informed care and evidence based programming. While utilizing concepts discussed in the recent county-wide Reimagining Juvenile Justice Initiative, LPBC is working to enhance the behavioral management program, utilize positive youth development, integrate youth voice into operations and activities, and improve community transition elements. Attachment A The Probation Department’s goal is to ensure that the LPBC program effectively meets the needs of the youth and continues to serve as an alternative to more restrictive, long-term commitments to other facilities. While increasing the number of youth committed to LPBC is not a specific goal, pending legislation may result in an opportunity to serve older youth or young adults in a separate dormitory. Available areas are being repurposed to create “home like” areas that can be used for small group seating, facilitating recreation and programming opportunities. Additionally, LPBC is looking for ways to reduce or eliminate escalating behaviors by youth through the utilization of intervention techniques such as multi- sensory de-escalation room/space designed to provide safe space for maintaining self-control while reducing stress, and developing self-help techniques to manage behavior and emotions. It is anticipated the instances of discipline as well as youth being removed from the program will be reduced. The Department will continue to evaluate the needs of local youth in the context of best practices and changing legislative requirements while considering options to maximize the use of space within the facility.

R2

That the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors and the Probation Department develop a transitional mentoring program with the assistance of outside service organizations. This recommendation has been implemented. The Probation Department currently contracts with a local community-based organization for mentoring services. A Community Transition Officer is assigned to each youth to assist in the transition back to the community after they complete their commitment at LPBC. The Department of Behavioral Wellness also provides support to youth and their families as part of the youth’s discharge planning effort. Although there are sufficient resources in place to ensure youth have assistance and support as they transition back to the community, it is always of benefit to seek out additional opportunities to partner with new organizations to meet the various needs of youth and foster positive relationships within the community. 3.2 Susan J. Gionfriddo Juvenile Hall, Santa Maria (SMJH)

R3

That the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors allocate sufficient funding to the Sheriff’s office specifically for the purpose of hiring additional custody deputies. This recommendation will not be implemented because it is currently not warranted at this time. The County is in the process of opening the Northern Branch Jail and will transfer inmates from the Main Jail, thus reducing the need for additional staffing. Subsequent to the Northern Branch Jail opening, renovations will take place at the Main Jail that will permanently close some sections, and consolidate other areas to make staffing more efficient. These actions, combined with other steps the County is reviewing to lower the overall system population, may be adequate to address this concern.

R4

That the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff’s Department purchase and install a body scanning system immediately to intercept contraband at the Main Jail. This recommendation will be implemented. A Side X-ray Body Scanner has been purchased by the Sheriff’s Department and has been installed at the Main Jail. The use of the scanner will begin as soon as Jail staff have been trained by the manufacturer on its use. Attachment A

R5

That the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff’s Department obtain contractor bids to install a solar system to lower power costs. This recommendation will not be implemented. During the application phase of the project, the cost of a photovoltaic power system was determined to be cost prohibitive. In order to install the system, the County would have had to eliminate necessary building elements that our application for state funding was being judged on, jeopardizing the awarded funding. However, additional conduits for this power option have been installed in the new facility for consideration if funding becomes available. 3.0 Santa Barbara County Probation Department 3.1 Los Prietos Boys Camp

R6

That the Board of Supervisors and Sheriff consider funding for upgrade and replacement of the inmate transportation fleet within two years. The recommendation will be implemented. The Sheriff’s Department has a replacement schedule for the entire inmate transportation fleet that had been implemented previously. The vans are 1-4 years old and all MCI buses are on a current replacement schedule identified by Santa Barbara County General Services. The Carpenter bus does need to be replaced, however, it is currently only used as a back-up bus in the event that the other busses are down for service. It will be retired when it is no longer serviceable. With the opening of the Northern Branch Jail the need for inmate transportation over long distance will be reduced, thus reducing the need to replace the fleet in the near term. Staff will analyze the use and condition of the fleet after the Northern Branch jail has been in operation to reassess the need for replacement vehicles. 1.2 Santa Barbara County Northern Branch Jail