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

The Los Angeles County's 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 California Youth and Community Resources (CYCR), has recently declared both facilities "suitable" for continuing operations.

Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall is the largest juvenile detention center in Los Angeles County, with a capacity of over 400 beds. It has been the subject of numerous controversies in recent years, including allegations of mistreatment of detainees, use of excessive force by staff, and inadequate mental health services. In 2019, a federal lawsuit was filed against the county alleging that the conditions at Los Padrinos violated the constitutional rights of detained youths.

Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall, with a capacity of 160 beds, has also faced criticism for its treatment of detainees, particularly in relation to mental health care and use of solitary confinement. In 2018, a report by the Office of the Inspector General found that Nidorf failed to provide adequate mental health services to detainees, leading to concerns about the safety and well-being of the youths in its care.

Despite these concerns, the CYCR has determined that both facilities meet the minimum standards for juvenile detention centers in California. The CYCR conducts regular inspections of all juvenile detention centers in the state to ensure they comply with regulations related to safety, health, and rehabilitation services for detained youths.

However, critics argue that the minimum standards set by the CYCR are not sufficient to address the complex needs of the youth population in these facilities. They call for more comprehensive reforms, including increased funding for mental health services, training for staff on trauma-informed care, and a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

It is important to note that the declaration of "suitability" by the CYCR does not mean that these facilities are free of issues or that all concerns have been addressed. Ongoing advocacy and oversight from community organizations, advocacy groups, and government agencies will be necessary to ensure that the needs of the detained youths are met and that the facilities provide a safe and rehabilitative environment.