Los Angeles County successfully relocated its youth detainees to the recently reopened Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, thus completing the task of clearing out the troubled juvenile halls before the state-ordered shutdown later this month. The county Probation Department transferred 277 predisposition youth and staff members to the 26-acre campus in Downey over the course of about a week. This consolidation is aimed at addressing the staffing crisis and improving conditions that led to the state deeming Barry J. Nidorf and Central Juvenile Hall unsuitable for youth confinement. Los Padrinos underwent a state inspection and received approval to start moving youth on July 7.
Interim Probation Chief Guillermo Viera Rosa commended his department and other county agencies for their efforts in relocating the juvenile halls. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved Viera Rosa’s consolidation plan in early May and promoted him to the top position of the department following his predecessor’s sudden resignation.
The reopening of Los Padrinos under a tight deadline was described as a “mammoth undertaking” by Janice Hahn, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. The county employees worked diligently to prepare the facility over the past two months, and the city of Downey supported the reopening. Hahn emphasized that although a new facility doesn’t solve all challenges, it presents an opportunity for a fresh start that must be capitalized on.
Consolidating juvenile detention at Los Padrinos is expected to help alleviate staffing shortages. The Board of Supervisors has authorized the hiring of additional probation officers to ensure the safety of both the young detainees and the staff. More than 360 officers will be reassigned to Los Padrinos, with the intention of adding 300 new recruits by 2024.
Barry J. Nidorf and Central Juvenile Hall will continue to serve other purposes for the county. Central Juvenile Hall will be repurposed as a medical hub for the juvenile system until those services can be integrated into Los Padrinos. The Secure Youth Treatment Facility at Barry J. Nidorf, which houses older and more serious offenders, was not included in the state shutdown order due to an oversight in state law.
The staffing crisis in the juvenile halls has resulted in numerous call-outs, creating a domino effect and negatively impacting the safety and well-being of the detainees. Drug use and the spread of contraband have been ongoing issues. The county plans to enhance security at Los Padrinos by exploring the installation of airport-style scanners. Additionally, youth with substance addiction issues will receive treatment at the facility.
The consolidation of the juvenile halls at Los Padrinos signifies a potential turnaround, although the staffing crisis persists. The county is still facing a lawsuit from the California Attorney General’s Office regarding the maintenance of adequate staff levels. A judge has ordered the county to comply or face sanctions, but the specific timeline has not been agreed upon. A third party monitor is expected to establish binding deadlines for compliance.
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