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Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 6 findings
F1
Page 24
Wards coming into the system at Preston are given the full advantage of medical and psychiatric evaluations, as well as academic and vocational choices, allowing them to earn high school diplomas and vocational certificates upon completion of required course work.
F2
Page 24
For students who are exceptionally motivated, PYCF offers an opportunity to begin college studies through correspondence courses from Coastline Community College.
F3
Page 24
Wards with psychiatric or behavioral problems are assigned counselors to assist the wards with their varying needs. Counseling is available to help with gang affiliations, environmental issues, parenting, stress alleviations and drug intervention.
F4
Page 24
The recidivism rate currently ranges from 60% to 70%.
F5
Page 24
The current population is approximately 340 wards. The capacity is 1,200. Only the most violent juveniles or juveniles counties cannot accommodate are mandated for State incarceration.
F6
Page 24
Wards are paroled back to the original County of commitment.
Recommendations 1
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R1Page 24In order to enhance the rehabilitation of individual wards, PYCF should work towards offering more life skills so upon parole, the re-integration into society is more successful, therefore reducing the recidivism rate. Response Required: Response to this report is required by Preston Youth Correctional Facility pursuant to California Penal Code section 933, (c), and 933.05. Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp Background: The Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp (PGYCC) is a training facility dedicated to the rehabilitation of young men and the conservation of California’s natural resources. CAL Fire (formerly named the California Department of Forestry) and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Justice, operate the camp together. The camp is located on 80 acres, just outside the town of Pine Grove, and has been in operation for 62 years. Wards who meet the specified criteria for this type of “open setting” sentencing receive education, fire training and basic life skills to prepare them for re-entry into society. In 2006-2007, the camp was budgeted for 120 wards between the ages of 18 and 25 years. The objectives of the camp include providing fire protection for the State of California, perform public conservation projects and provide wards with the skills required for their successful return to society. Method of Review: The 2006-2007 Grand Jury’s review of the Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp consisted of the following: Individuals Interviewed: Superintendent of PGYCC Documents Reviewed: Pine Grove Youth Conservation Brochure-Open House November 3, 2005 Organizational Chart 53 Points of Light - Publication Quarterly Public Service Report Statistics - April through June 2006 Staff News –Edition June 20, 2003 Today in California Youth Authority - Edition 2001 Facts: 1. This State facility house only those wards who fit the criteria for a “camp” setting. Wards are carefully screened at intake as to their compatibility with the camp setting since there are no barriers around the facility to prevent escape. At the time of the Grand Jury tour in November 2006, the camp was almost filled to its capacity of 120 wards. 2. The camp wards often provide a great service to the surrounding community by clearing vegetation and brush from the countryside. Additionally, wards train and suppress wild land fires in conjunction with CAL Fire. 20 3. Pine Grove Youth Correctional Facility provide community service by crafting ornamental holiday wreaths which are distributed to the surrounding communities . 4. During their time at the camp, each ward must take academic classes totaling four hours a day. Wards also attend classes in counseling, parenting, gang awareness and decision making skills. 5. PGYCC provided 157,799.5 hours of public service during calendar year 2006. Recommendations: 1. PGYCC should implement additional vocational training programs in order to provide wards with an employable skill upon their release from the camp. Response Required: Response to this report is required by Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp pursuant to California Penal Code section 933, subdivision (c ) and 933.05. 21