A regulatory board in California has issued a stern ultimatum to Los Angeles County regarding the state of two of its juvenile detention centers. The board has deemed these facilities unsuitable for housing youth detainees and has initiated a 60-day period for the county to address issues of noncompliance. Failure to do so could result in the closure of these facilities.

Increased Scrutiny on Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall

Los Angeles County Probation Department Chief Guillermo Viera Rosa has intensified efforts to address concerns surrounding Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. In response to an internal review uncovering additional incidents of youth-on-youth violence, Viera Rosa has ordered the placement of four more sworn peace officers on leave.

Viera Rosa’s actions are part of a broader initiative aimed at eliminating a culture of violence, drugs, and abuse within County juvenile institutions. He emphasized that while these incidents involve a minority of staff members, they contradict the department’s core values and impede its ability to create a safe and supportive environment for rehabilitation.

Commitment to Accountability and Transparency

In a statement addressing the situation, Viera Rosa reiterated his commitment to thorough investigations and swift action against any wrongdoing. He emphasized the importance of transparency by publicly disclosing the measures taken to address issues within the juvenile facilities.

Since January, Viera Rosa has placed a total of 12 officers from Los Padrinos on leave pending investigations into youth-on-youth violence incidents. These investigations, now overseen by the California Attorney General, aim to ensure fairness and impartiality. Additionally, Viera Rosa has taken steps to enhance the Probation Department’s Internal Affairs Unit to promote professionalism and accountability.

External Oversight for Fair Investigations

Viera Rosa’s decision to involve outside law enforcement reflects a dedication to impartiality and thoroughness in the investigation process. By engaging external agencies, he seeks to maintain public trust and confidence in the integrity of the investigations while the department undergoes restructuring.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Youth Safety and Rehabilitation

The developments at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall underscore the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of youth in detention facilities. With increased scrutiny and accountability measures in place, stakeholders are working towards creating an environment conducive to rehabilitation and positive outcomes for vulnerable youth populations.

For more news updates and exclusive coverage, download The Local News App on your mobile device.

I expanded on the actions taken by Viera Rosa and the reasons behind them, emphasizing accountability and transparency. Let me know if you need further adjustments!

Source