DOWNEY, Calif. — A judge has approved a plan by the county Probation Department to reduce the number of detainees at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, which has faced scrutiny for its conditions. The facility, deemed unsuitable for housing youth by state regulators, has been the subject of ongoing concerns regarding its management and operational practices.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Espinoza previously mandated the Probation Department to devise a strategy for decreasing the detainee population. In response, the department articulated a proposal to shrink the number from approximately 280 to about 175, primarily by transferring young individuals to alternate facilities.
The Probation Department emphasized that the plan is grounded in a commitment to public safety while addressing the rehabilitative needs of the youth in custody. However, officials clarified that there would not be an indiscriminate release of detainees, and the juvenile hall would remain open, albeit with a reduced population.
“While this decision marks progress, the transition relies on multiple factors, including readiness of alternative facilities, evaluations of the youth, and necessary inspections,” stated a spokesperson for the Probation Department. They expressed confidence in their capacity to execute the plan responsibly.
Despite this step forward, critics have urged for a more comprehensive overhaul of the issues plaguing Los Padrinos. The county Board of Supervisors has recently instructed the Probation Department to evaluate recommendations put forth by the Probation Oversight Commission. Those recommendations suggest implementing monitored release options, revamping the intake process to limit new admissions, and relocating lower-risk youth to more supportive settings.
County Supervisor Janice Hahn expressed a desire to see the population at Los Padrinos further reduced to around 100. Her comments follow a recent incident where over a dozen detention services officers at the juvenile hall pleaded not guilty to various serious charges, including child endangerment and conspiracy.
L.A. County Public Defender Ricardo Garcia reiterated the need for alternative placements tailored to individual youths. He highlighted the importance of creating environments conducive to growth and emphasized the role of the Probation Oversight Commission in advocating for rapid assessments to facilitate safe releases where appropriate.
The Probation Department’s plan for depopulation is set to unfold over the next 30 days and will involve collaboration with the California Board of State and Community Corrections, which oversees safety standards for youth facilities. The cooperation extends to several county agencies, ensuring a holistic approach toward this complex transition.
Los Padrinos has been embroiled in controversy since its hasty reopening in 2023 as a replacement for the Central Juvenile Hall and Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall, which were closed due to their own issues. The juvenile hall has encountered significant staffing shortages, along with disturbing allegations of violence among detainees and insufficient intervention by probation officers.
In March, scrutiny intensified when 30 probation officers faced criminal charges as a result of investigations into incidents of youth-on-youth violence within the facility. Following these allegations, it was revealed that there were numerous instances of organized fights between detainees, which had gone unaddressed.
The current situation at Los Padrinos provides a critical glimpse into the challenges faced by juvenile facilities and the ongoing debate about accountability and ethical treatment of young people within the justice system.
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