State allows LA County’s troubled juvenile halls to remain open

The Los Angeles County's troubled juvenile halls, specifically the Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey and the Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar, have been under scrutiny due to various issues and concerns raised by critics regarding their suitability to continue housing youths. However, the California State regulatory board, known as the Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR), recently declared both facilities "suitable" for continuing operations.

Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, which is the largest juvenile detention center in the county, has faced numerous criticisms over the years. In 2019, the facility was placed on probation by the OYCR due to several deficiencies, including inadequate mental health services, lack of proper supervision, and use of excessive force by staff members. The probation period was set to end in March 2022, but it was extended due to ongoing concerns.

Despite these issues, the OYCR determined that the facility had made sufficient progress in addressing the deficiencies and was now suitable for continuing operations. However, critics argue that the improvements made are not enough to ensure the safety and well-being of the youths housed there. They point to the high number of incidents of assaults on both staff and detainees, as well as the lack of access to education and mental health services.

Similarly, the Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall has faced its own set of challenges. In 2020, the facility was placed on a corrective action plan after the OYCR found deficiencies in areas such as mental health services, use of force, and documentation of incidents. The facility was given until March 2023 to address these issues before being re-evaluated.

Despite the progress made by both facilities, critics argue that the continued operation of these troubled juvenile halls raises serious concerns about the welfare of the youths housed there. They call for more investment in community-based programs and alternatives to detention, rather than relying on large institutional facilities like Los Padrinos and Barry J. Nidorf.

In conclusion, while the California State regulatory board has deemed Los Padrinos and Barry J. Nidorf juvenile facilities suitable for continuing operations, critics continue to raise concerns about their ability to provide adequate care and safety for the youths housed there. The ongoing debates highlight the need for a more comprehensive approach to juvenile justice that prioritizes community-based programs and alternatives to detention.