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 educational programs, and overcrowding. The probation period was set to end in March 2022, but the OYCR extended it 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 facility still falls short in several areas, such as providing adequate mental health services and addressing the root causes of youth delinquency through rehabilitation programs rather than just punishment.

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 by the OYCR due to deficiencies related to mental health services, use of force, and other issues. The facility was given until March 2023 to address these concerns. However, like Los Padrinos, the OYCR recently determined that Nidorf had made sufficient progress and was now suitable for continuing operations.

Critics of the decision argue that the OYCR's assessment does not go far enough in addressing the systemic issues within the juvenile justice system in Los Angeles County. They call for more investment in community-based programs and alternatives to detention, as well as a focus on addressing the root causes of youth delinquency through prevention and early intervention efforts.

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 adequacy of mental health services, rehabilitation programs, and the overall approach to addressing youth delinquency in the county. The debate highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the juvenile justice system in Los Angeles County and the need for continued investment in evidence-based solutions that prioritize the well-being and rehabilitation of young people.