A report released Thursday by the Santa Clara County Board of
Supervisors summarizes the findings of an in-depth review of the
Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall.
A report released Thursday by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors summarizes the findings of an in-depth review of the Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall.
The report was commissioned by the Board of Supervisors to investigate concerns raised by community members and to identify areas of risk to detainees and staff, following the Department of Justice investigation of allegations of civil rights abuses. No civil rights abuses were found.
In June, the Board brought in a team of national experts to take a critical look at Juvenile Hall and identify any problem areas. Last week, the consultants summarized their findings and made 30 recommendations for improvements.
A key recommendation is that Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall abandon restraint procedures, endorsed by the California State Board of Corrections. The consultants concluded that use of state-endorsed physical restraint policies and practices are contributing to the perception of staff abuse.
The report also identifies a number of needed operational changes, including the shift from the law enforcement approach to a care worker model, and recruiting job candidates from the fields of social work, sociology, or education; and away from law enforcement or criminal justice.
Recommended improvements are summarized in a 30-point action plan that range from general to very specific changes in the juvenile justice system in Santa Clara County. The report recommends establishing a strong link between the Juvenile Detention Reform Committee and the Probation Department, with community involvement in the process.
Supervisor Blanca Alvarado, chairwoman of the County’s Juvenile Detention Reform Committee, is asking the courts that oversee the operation of Juvenile Hall to provide leadership to make immediate changes
The report also makes note of strengths associated with the county’s commitment to keep the county at the front of juvenile justice practices.
