Two of LA's Juvenile Halls Closed Down; New Facility Not Better.

By Gaelle Pierre-Louis.

Due in part to the PJLC and Youth Law Center’s threats of legal action, the Los Angeles County Probation Department has closed down two of its unsuitable facilities on order from the Board of State and Community Corrections. About 300 youth from the two juvenile halls have been moved to the newly reopened Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall.

Despite hopes that Los Padrinos would be a safer and more rehabilitative facility than were Central or Nydorf Juvenile Halls, Los Padrinos already suffers from severe understaffing and a lack of programs and services. A recent escape attempt by several youth has brought needed attention to the failing facility.

Also, due to an oversight in the new law that created a new category of juvenile incarceration facilities, called Secure Youth Treatment Facilities, about 50 young people continue to be confined in an area of the Sylmar facility designated as a Secure Youth Treatment Facilities despite it having been found unsuitable by the Board of State and Community Corrections.

The PJLC will continue to be involved until the State is able to honor its commitment to provide opportunities for rehabilitation to these young people.

From “Mission Accomplished” to riot: Inside the Chaotic First Month at Los Padrinos. Los Angeles Times