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 investigation found that the facility violated the constitutional rights of detainees by using excessive force and failing to provide adequate mental health care.

Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall, located in Sylmar, has also faced criticism for similar issues, including allegations of mistreatment of detainees and inadequate mental health services. In 2018, a report by the Office of the Inspector General found that the facility failed to provide adequate mental health services to detainees, leading to suicides and self-harm incidents.

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 juvenile detention centers to ensure they comply with state regulations. The agency evaluates various aspects of the facilities, including safety, security, mental health services, education, and rehabilitation programs.

However, critics argue that the minimum standards set by the CYCR are not sufficient to ensure the well-being of detained youths. They call for higher standards and more oversight to address the systemic issues that have been identified in these facilities. Some advocacy groups have also called for the closure of these facilities and the shift towards community-based programs and alternatives to detention.

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 the treatment of detainees and the adequacy of mental health services in these facilities. The debate surrounding the suitability of these juvenile halls highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and reform in the juvenile justice system.