LA County Probation Chief Statement to Families and Community on the Board of State and Community Corrections Deeming Juvenile Hall ‘Unsuitable’

LOS ANGELES, CA – The following statement is from LA County Probation Chief Guillermo Viera Rosa on Thursday’s meeting of the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC):

“As the Chief of LA County’s Probation Department, I want to personally reassure family members and the community that despite the challenges we are facing, the care and well-being of their loved one remains our top priority.

“I understand that having a family member in our custody can be a distressing experience, and we want to assure you that we are committed to providing the best possible care and support for them. Our team of dedicated professionals is working tirelessly to keep them safe and to ensure that they receive the necessary guidance, resources, and services to help them navigate this difficult period in their lives.

“Most importantly, visitation, programming, and other services will continue.

“There are no ORDERS for the Department to IMMEDIATELY vacate Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall or Barry J. Nidorf SECURE YOUTH TREATMENT FACILITY.

“We continue to provide the appropriate care to the youth in our facilities.  We are maintaining all of our necessary operations and will continue to move toward compliance with state regulations.

“It is important to note that with no alternative site or plan proposed by our governing agencies, we are required to continue housing and providing care for the young people placed with us by the courts, and we will do that.

“Please know that we are here to answer any questions you may have and to address any concerns or issues that may arise. We believe in the importance of maintaining open communication with families, and we encourage you to reach out to us at any time.

“We are well on our way to correcting the remaining few technical deficiencies.

“Additionally, we are actively working to maintain a safe and supportive environment within our facilities, where your loved one can focus on their rehabilitation and growth. We offer various programs and interventions aimed at helping them address the underlying issues that may have led to their involvement in the juvenile justice system, with the ultimate goal of helping them reintegrate successfully into the community.

“We understand that this may be a challenging time for your family, but please rest assured that your loved one is in good hands. We are committed to their well-being and will continue to do everything in our power to support them on their journey toward positive change.

“If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.”

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