LOS ANGELES COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT’S STATEMENT ON JUDGE MICHAEL ESPINOZA’S RULING REGARDING DEPOPULATION OF LOS PADRINOS

We are pleased that Judge Espinoza approved the Los Angeles County Probation Department’s plan to rehouse youth at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. This plan reflects our continued commitment to balancing public safety, legal compliance, and the rehabilitative needs of the young people in our care. It is key to note that the court denied an indiscriminate mass release of youth, and that Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall will not be fully depopulated or closed.

While the court’s decision is an important step forward, certain variables—such as facility readiness, youth evaluations, and required inspections—must still be completed before the transition can begin. We remain confident in the strength of our plan and our ability to implement it responsibly and safely.

We look forward to continuing our close coordination with the court, our County partners, and service providers to ensure the success of this transition and to support positive outcomes for the youth, staff, and broader community.

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