Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall fails inspection, must remove inmates in two days
Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, one of Los Angeles County's last youth centers, has two days to move all of their prisoners out of the facility after failing its latest inspection in early December.
"While we recognize more improvements are needed, we respectfully disagree with the BSCC overall unsuitability finding, which aims to displace youth," said Vicky Waters, LA County Probation spokesperson. "We have tried working with the BSCC on viable and aggressive solutions, because this needs to be a collaboration to ensure public safety. "
Less than a month since their last review, a state inspector determined that Los Padrinos was "unsuitable," according to a letter sent by a representative from the California Board of State and Community Corrections.
"During our inspection, we found that effort has been made to address and mitigate the issues that led to noncompliance," field representative Lisa Southwell wrote. "However, the county has failed to remedy the conditions that rendered the facility unsuitable."
In November, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced plans to implement more oversight at both Los Padrinos and Barry J. Nidorf Secure Youth Treatment Facility after an independent monitor found "continued deterioration" at the centers, including "multiple serious threats to youth safety."
The monitor's report mentioned the county's failure to stem the flow of drugs, bring youth to medical appointments, stop staff from instigating or encouraging youth-on-youth assaults and prevent retaliation against inmates who filed grievances. Additionally, the independent monitor found that the facilities faced a staffing crisis, didn't have enough cameras to monitor all areas and could not ensure that the security footage was being reviewed.
Despite the facility's efforts since the attorney general's report, the BSCC inspection determined that the facility remained understaffed.
"We found that the current staffing numbers do not allow for all required activities, operations, programs and facility functions, and to ensure the safety of youth and staff," Southwell wrote.
As a result, Los Padrinos must move all juveniles out of the facility by December 12 — two days after Southwell sent the letter.
"At this time, we are analyzing our options, but remain steadfast in maintaining a safe, secure, and rehabilitative environment for all youth in our care while addressing systemic issues that have persisted for far too long," Waters said.
