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 the Inspector General (OIG), has recently declared both facilities "suitable" for continuing operations.

The OIG conducts regular inspections of California's juvenile detention centers to ensure they meet the minimum standards for the care and safety of the detained youths. Following a series of inspections at the two facilities in question, the OIG found that they had made significant improvements in addressing the issues that had previously put their suitability in question.

One of the primary concerns raised by critics was the use of isolation cells, also known as "punitive segregation," where youths were held for extended periods in solitary confinement as punishment for misbehavior. The OIG found that both Los Padrinos and Barry J. Nidorf had reduced their use of isolation cells and implemented alternative disciplinary measures.

Another concern was the level of mental health services provided to the detained youths. The OIG reported that both facilities had increased their mental health staffing levels and were providing more comprehensive services to address the mental health needs of the detained population.

Despite the OIG's declaration of suitability, critics continue to express concerns about the conditions at the two facilities. Some argue that the improvements made do not go far enough, while others question the effectiveness of the regulatory process itself.

For instance, the Youth Law Center, an advocacy group that focuses on the rights of foster youth and those in the juvenile justice system, has called for the closure of both Los Padrinos and Barry J. Nidorf due to ongoing issues with overcrowding, inadequate mental health services, and the use of isolation cells. The group argues that these issues violate the constitutional rights of the detained youths.

In response to the criticism, the Los Angeles County Probation Department has stated that they are committed to making further improvements at the two facilities and are working closely with the OIG to address any remaining concerns. They argue that the alternative disciplinary measures being implemented are more effective in addressing misbehavior than isolation cells and that the mental health services are improving the overall well-being of the detained population.

In conclusion, while the California State regulatory board has deemed Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall and Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall suitable for continuing operations following recent inspections, critics continue to raise concerns about the conditions at these facilities. The OIG has reported improvements in areas such as the reduction of isolation cells and increased mental health services, but advocacy groups argue that more needs to be done to ensure the constitutional rights of the detained youths are being met. The debate continues as both sides work towards finding the best solutions for the care and rehabilitation of the juvenile population in Los Angeles County.