Merced Probation (2023-2024 inspection cycle)

November 9, 2023 Christopher Henn, Chief Probation Officer Merced County Probation Department 1880 Wardrobe Avenue Merced, California 95341 2023-2024 UNANNOUNCED INSPECTION, WELFARE & INSTITUTIONS CODE SECTIONS 209 & 885, MERCED COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT DETENTION FACILITIES Dear Chief Henn: The 2023-2024 Unannounced Inspection of the Merced County Probation Department Juvenile Facilities has been completed. A pre-inspection briefing was held on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, and the following facilities were inspected between May 1, 2023 and May 5, 2023. We conducted an Unannounced Inspection on November 3, 2023, to follow up on updates to Suicide Prevention procedures and new programming by the GEO Group, noted in the attached checklist. FACILITY NAME BSCC # FACILITY TYPE IGJJCC – Juvenile Hall 7327 JH IGJJCC – Secure Youth Track 7328 SYTF IGJJCC – Bear Creek Academy 7330 CAMP These inspections were conducted pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Sections 209 and 885 to determine compliance with the Minimum Standards for Juvenile Detention Facilities as outlined in Titles 15 and 24, California Code of Regulations. In addition, Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) staff conducted compliance monitoring pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Sections 209(f) and the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) requirements for separation between juveniles and adults. INSPECTION RESULTS We identified no items of noncompliance with Title 15 Minimum Standards. Refer to the attached Title 15 Procedures Checklist for detailed information. Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act Compliance Monitoring No violations of the JJDPA have been identified and no areas of noncompliance were noted. Chris Henn, Chief Probation Officer Page 2 An Exit Briefing with your staff was held on Friday, November 3, 2023; BSCC staff presented an inspection overview specific to the two items reviewed as follow-up to the Comprehensive Inspection in May 2023. * * * Please email me at elizabeth.gong@bscc.ca.gov or call (916) 704-2503 if you have any questions. Sincerely, ELIZABETH GONG Field Representative Facilities Standards and Operations Division Enclosures Cc: Presiding Judge, Merced County Juvenile Court* Chair, Juvenile Justice Commission, Merced County* Chair, Board of Supervisors, Merced County* County Administrator, Merced County* Ben Rodriguez, Probation Division Manager, Merced IGJJCC *Copies of the inspection are available upon request or online at www.bscc.ca.gov. 7327+ Merced Probation JH Camp SYTF Unannounced Inspection LTR 23-24 JUVENILE HALLS, SPECIAL PURPOSE JUVENILE HALLS AND CAMPS Board of State and Community Corrections PROCEDURES CHECKLIST 1, 2 BSCC Code: 7327 FACILITY NAME: Juvenile Justice Correction Complex FACILITY TYPE: JH PERSON(S) INTERVIEWED: Ben Rodriguez, Probation Division Manager; Shannon High, Program Specialist; Desire Ramos, Program Manager – GEO; Carmela Chavez, Supervisor – GEO; Zachariah Holt, Program Facilitator – GEO; Nora Salgado, Program Facilitator – GEO; Adrianna Garcia, Program Facilitator – GEO; Kristen Brauchler, Program Facilitator – GEO; Armando Cervantes, Program Facilitator – GEO; May Yang, Wellpath RN. FIELD REPRESENTATIVE: Elizabeth Gong DATE: November 3, 2023 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS 1329 SUICIDE PREVENTION PLAN G-109 Suicide Identification Program The facility administrator, in collaboration with the Y-G-05 Wellpath Suicide Prevention Program healthcare and behavioral/mental health administrators, shall plan and implement written policies and The IGJJCC had two youth involved in procedures which delineate a Suicide Prevention Plan. documented suicide behaviors resulting in I-1 The plan shall consider the needs of youth experiencing (Safety Room) placement while on site for the past or current trauma. Suicide prevention responses comprehensive inspection. shall be respectful and in the least invasive manner consistent with the level of suicide risk. The plan shall Both incidents were high-risk and debrief with include the following elements: the agencies revealed the need for more intense communication in all partners evaluating the youth’s needs and what the agency can do to mitigate the need for safety room protocols. We completed an unannounced inspection to determine if the agency and Wellpath Behavior Health had developed a coordinated ☒ ☐ ☐ approach to the response for suicidal behaviors. Although the Clinicians or Wellpath Behavior Health Administrators were not on- site at the time, we learned from Program Manager Rodriguez that there has been a significant shift in administrative staff since the Comprehensive Inspection. The two Clinicians actively on-site daily are providing services and actively participate with Probation staff to have the least restrictive response to suicide behaviors as required in regulation. Probation was compliant at the time of the inspection; however, Wellpath Policy and their responses were inconsistent. We were provided with a Mental Health Behavior Management Plan, a form completed by Behavior Health in collaboration with Probation staff. The Plan is designed to 1 This document is intended for use as a tool during the inspection process; this worksheet may not contain each Title 15 regulation that is required. Additionally, many regulations on this worksheet are SUMMARIES of the regulation; the text on this worksheet may not contain the entire text of the actual regulation. Please refer to the complete California Code of Regulations, Title 15, Minimum Standards for Local Facilities, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 5 for the complete list and text of regulations. 2 This is a modified version of the Procedures Checklist and is only intended for use with the 23-24 Unannounced inspection of the Juvenile Justice Correction Complex JH. 7327 Merced Juvenile Justice Corr. Complex JH PRO 23-24 Page 1 of 6 A453 JUV PRO eff. 1/2019 (23-24).dot TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS target and resolve behaviors which hinder the youth’s overall safety in the custodial setting. The form prompts an initial and weekly follow- up of the following: Goals, Incentives, Potential Triggers, Behaviors of Concern, Housing Plan, Mental Health Interventions, Custody (staff) Interventions, and Medical Interventions. We were impressed with the active and continuing resolution of issues that arise, specific to this regulation. The agency remains compliant with Section 1329, Suicide Prevention Plan. (a) Suicide prevention training as required in Section 1322, Youth Supervision Staff Orientation, and Training G-109 Admission Procedures V, A-N and the Juvenile Corrections Officer Core Course. ☒ ☐ ☐ All youth supervision staff complete Suicide Prevention Training annually. (b) Screening, Identification Assessment and Precautionary Protocols G-109 Screening Identification Assessment (1) All youth shall be screened for risk of suicide at intake and as needed during detention. ☒ ☐ ☐ The IGJJCC utilizes the MAYSI-2 Instrument to assess the risk of suicide for youth at admission. (2) All youth supervision staff who perform intake processes shall be trained in screening youth for risk ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Admission Procedures V, A of suicide. (3) All youth who have been identified during the intake screening process to be at risk of suicide shall G-109 Admission Procedures IV, A be referred to behavioral/mental health staff for a ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Screening Identification Assessment II, suicide risk assessment. A-C (4) Precautionary protocols shall be developed to ensure the youth’s safety pending the ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Suicide Intervention Procedures I-VIII behavioral/mental health assessment. (c) Referral process to behavioral/mental health staff for assessment and/or services. G-109 Admission Procedures IV, A. V, and K ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Screening Identification Assessment II, B (d) Procedures for monitoring of youth identified at risk for suicide. ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Suicide Intervention Procedures I-VIII (e) Safety Interventions (1) Procedures to address intervention protocols for G-109 Suicide Intervention Procedures I-VIII ☒ ☐ ☐ youth identified at risk for suicide which may include, but are not limited to: (A) Housing consideration G-109 II, B Suicide Intervention Procedures ☒ ☐ ☐ (sleeping room) G-109 II, C (Safety Room) 7327 Merced Juvenile Justice Corr. Complex JH PRO 23-24 Page 2 of 6 A453 JUV PRO eff. 1/2019 (23-24).dot TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (B) Treatment strategies including trauma- informed approaches ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Suicide Intervention Procedures II (2) Procedures to instruct youth supervision staff how to respond to youth who exhibit suicidal G-109 I-VIII Suicide Intervention Procedures ☒ ☐ ☐ behaviors. G-109 I, A-E Suicide Intervention Procedures (f) Communication (1) The intake process shall include communication G-109 Admission Procedures I and II with the arresting officer and family guardians ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Communication I-VII regarding the youth’s past or present suicidal ideations, behaviors or attempts. (2) Procedures for clear and current information sharing about youth at risk for suicide with youth G-109 Communication I ☒ ☐ ☐ supervision, healthcare, and behavioral/mental health staff. (g) Debriefing of Critical Incidents Related to Suicides or Attempts G-109 Debriefing (1) Process for administrative review of the ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Administrative Review circumstances and responses proceeding, during and after the critical incident. (2) Process for a debriefing event with affected ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Debriefing I staff. (3) Process for a debriefing event with affected youth. ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Debriefing I (h) Documentation (1) Documentation processes shall be developed to G-109 E Suicide Attempt Procedure ensure compliance with this regulation G-109 II, G and H Suicide Intervention ☒ ☐ ☐ Procedures G-109 IV Admission Procedures Youth identified at risk for suicide shall not be denied the opportunity to participate in facility programs, services G-109 GP I and activities which are available to other non-suicidal youth, unless deemed necessary for the safety of the ☒ ☐ ☐ youth or security of the facility. Any deprivation of programs, services or activities for youth at risk of suicide shall be documented and approved by the facility manager. 7327 Merced Juvenile Justice Corr. Complex JH PRO 23-24 Page 3 of 6 A453 JUV PRO eff. 1/2019 (23-24).dot TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS 1371 PROGRAMS, RECREATION, AND EXERCISE. J-106 Recreation GP I The facility administrator shall develop and implement The IGJJCC continues to provide numerous written policies and procedures for programs, programming and service opportunities, recreation, and exercise for all youth. The intent is to facilitated by the Program Specialist, 3 Peer minimize the amount of time youth are in their rooms or Specialists (2 full-time and 1 part-time), 2 their bed area. Wellpath Behavior Health Service staff, and the addition of 12 GEO Program Monitors/Facilitators. We spoke with the Program Specialist, Shannon High, who is tasked with coordinating the Behavior Management process for activities, programming, and ☒ ☐ ☐ incentives, as well as developing the Program Schedule with the now fully staffed GEO facilitators. The GEO Group supports 12 positions to work with youth on numerous curriculum-based alternatives to address the population needs with individual and group programs. While on-site for the Unannounced, we spoke with 8 of the 12 staff present and noted there were more GEO staff on site than youth supervision staff. We found the efforts by the agency far exceed regulation. Juvenile facilities shall provide the opportunity for programs, recreation, and exercise a minimum of three J-106 GP II hours a day during the week and five hours a day each ☒ ☐ ☐ Saturday, Sunday or other non-school days, of which one hour shall be an outdoor activity, weather permitting. A youth’s participation in programs, recreation, and exercise may be suspended only upon a written finding J-106 GP III by the administrator/manager or designee that a youth ☒ ☐ ☐ represents a threat to the safety and security of the facility. Such program, recreation, and exercise schedule shall be posted in the living units. ☒ ☐ ☐ J-106 GP II There will be a written annual review of the programs, recreation, and exercise by the responsible agency to J-106 GP X ☒ ☐ ☐ ensure content offered is current, consistent, and relevant to the population. 7327 Merced Juvenile Justice Corr. Complex JH PRO 23-24 Page 4 of 6 A453 JUV PRO eff. 1/2019 (23-24).dot TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (a) Programs. All youth shall be provided with the opportunity for at least one hour of daily programming to J-106 Structured Recreation, I include, but not be limited to, trauma focused, cognitive, evidence-based, best practice interventions that are Programs facilitated by the Peer Specialists culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate, or pro- and GEO Monitors/Facilitators are fully social interventions and activities designed to reduce operational. We were provided a schedule recidivism. These programs should be based on the and observed youth involved while on-site. youth’s individual needs as required by Sections 1355 and 1356. Such programs may be provided under the Programs include: Anger Management – 1) direction of the Chief Probation Officer or the County Managing Aggression and Violence and 2) Office of Education and can be administered by county Anger Management: Substance Abuse and partners such as mental health agencies, community Mental Health Management; Cognitive based organizations, faith-based organizations or Behavior Interventions: Substance Use Youth; Probation staff. Coping and Life Skills by R1Learning; Coping, Programs may include but are not limited to: Life Skills, Trauma and Family Relationships; Family Engagement – 1) National Fatherhood Initiative Inside/Out Dad, 2) Nurturing Parenting Program, and 3) Partners in Parenting; Phoenix New Freedom Gang Intervention Program; Healthy Relationships – Adolescents; Interactive Journaling – topics include: What Got Me Here, Individualized Change Plan, Responsible Behavior, Re- Entry Planning, Handling Difficult Feelings, Relationships and Communication, Victim ☒ ☐ ☐ Awareness, Substance Abusing Behavior, and, Family; Juvenile Moral Recognition Therapy; Life Skills; Motivational Enhancement 1) Getting Motivated to Change and 2) Texas Christian University Mapping (visual counseling strategy); Social Skills; Substance Abuse program – Living in Balance; Trauma 1) Voices and 2) A Young Man’s Guide to Self-Mastery; and Victim Impact – Listen and Learn. Each program offers best-practice alternatives and is responsive to measures that are outcome- driven. In addition to the programs provided above, the MCOE provides the following: Online College with Merced City College; Career Technical Education; Regional Occupation Program (ROP) which includes Culinary Essentials, Logistics and Warehouse (forklift operation), Rise to Higher Grounds Café, Work-Landscape-Agriculture (WLA), Creative Writing and Book Club. 7327 Merced Juvenile Justice Corr. Complex JH PRO 23-24 Page 5 of 6 A453 JUV PRO eff. 1/2019 (23-24).dot TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (1) Cognitive Behavior Interventions; (2) Management of Stress and Trauma; J-106 Structured Recreation I (3) Anger Management; (4) Conflict Resolution; (5) Juvenile Justice System; (6) Trauma-related interventions; (7) Victim Awareness; (8) Self-Improvement; (9) Parenting Skills and support; ☒ ☐ ☐ (10) Tolerance and Diversity; (11) Healing Informed Approaches; (12) Interventions by Credible Messengers; (13) Gender Specific Programming; (14) Art, creative writing, or self-expression; (15) CPR and First Aid training; (16) Restorative Justice or Civic Engagement; (17) Career and leadership opportunities; and, (18) Other topics suitable to the youth population. (b) Recreation. All youth shall be provided the opportunity for at least one hour of daily access to unscheduled J-106 Unstructured Recreation activities such as leisure reading, letter writing, and ☒ ☐ ☐ entertainment. Activities shall be supervised and include orientation and may include coaching of youth. (c) Exercise. All youth shall be provided with the opportunity for at least one hour of large muscle activity ☒ ☐ ☐ J-106 Procedures each day. The administrator/manager may suspend, for a period not to exceed 24 hours, access to recreation and J-106 GP IX programs. The administrator/manager shall document ☒ ☐ ☐ the reasons why suspension of recreation and programs occurs. 7327 Merced Juvenile Justice Corr. Complex JH PRO 23-24 Page 6 of 6 A453 JUV PRO eff. 1/2019 (23-24).dot JUVENILE HALLS, SPECIAL PURPOSE JUVENILE HALLS AND CAMPS Board of State and Community Corrections PROCEDURES CHECKLIST 1, 2 BSCC Code: 7328 FACILITY NAME: Merced Secure Youth Treatment Facility FACILITY TYPE: SYTF PERSON(S) INTERVIEWED: Ben Rodriguez, Probation Division Manager; Shannon High, Program Specialist Desire Ramos, Program Manager – GEO; Carmela Chavez, Supervisor – GEO; Zachariah Holt, Program Facilitator – GEO; Nora Salgado, Program Facilitator – GEO; Adrianna Garcia, Program Facilitator – GEO; Kristen Brauchler, Program Facilitator – GEO; Armando Cervantes, Program Facilitator – GEO; May Yang, Wellpath RN. FIELD REPRESENTATIVE: Elizabeth Gong DATE: November 3, 2023 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS 1329 SUICIDE PREVENTION PLAN G-109 Suicide Identification Program The facility administrator, in collaboration with the Y-G-05 Wellpath Suicide Prevention Program healthcare and behavioral/mental health administrators, shall plan and implement written policies and The IGJJCC had two youth involved in procedures which delineate a Suicide Prevention Plan. documented suicide behaviors resulting in 1-1 The plan shall consider the needs of youth experiencing (Safety Room) placement while on site for the past or current trauma. Suicide prevention responses comprehensive inspection. shall be respectful and in the least invasive manner consistent with the level of suicide risk. The plan shall Both incidents were high-risk and debrief with include the following elements: the agencies revealed the need for more intense communication in all partners evaluating the youth’s needs and what the agency can do to mitigate the need for safety room protocols. We completed an unannounced inspection to determine if the agency and Wellpath ☒ ☐ ☐ Behavior Health had developed a coordinated approach to the response for suicidal behaviors. Although the Clinicians or Wellpath Behavior Health Administrators were not on- site at the time, we learned from Program Manager Rodriguez that there has been a significant shift in administrative staff since the Comprehensive Inspection. The two Clinicians actively on-site daily are providing services and actively participate with Probation staff to have the least restrictive response to suicide behaviors as required in regulation. Probation was compliant at the time of the inspection; however, Wellpath Policy and their responses were inconsistent. We were provided with a Mental Health Behavior Management Plan, a form 1 This document is intended for use as a tool during the inspection process; this worksheet may not contain each Title 15 regulation that is required. Additionally, many regulations on this worksheet are SUMMARIES of the regulation; the text on this worksheet may not contain the entire text of the actual regulation. Please refer to the complete California Code of Regulations, Title 15, Minimum Standards for Local Facilities, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 5 for the complete list and text of regulations. 2 This is a modified version of the Procedures Checklist and is only intended for use with the 23-24 Unannounced inspection of the Merced Secure Youth Treatment Facility. 7328 Merced Secure Youth Treatment Facility PRO 23-24 Page 1 of 6 A453 JUV PRO eff. 1/2019 (23-24).dot TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS completed by Behavior Health in collaboration with Probation staff. The Plan is designed to target and resolve behaviors which hinder the youth’s overall safety in the custodial setting. The form prompts an initial and weekly follow- up of the following: Goals, Incentives, Potential Triggers, Behaviors of Concern, Housing Plan, Mental Health Interventions, Custody (staff) Interventions, and Medical Interventions. We were impressed with the active and continuing resolution of issues that arise, specific to this regulation. The agency remains compliant with Section 1329, Suicide Prevention Plan. (a) Suicide prevention training as required in Section 1322, Youth Supervision Staff Orientation, and Training G-109 Admission Procedures V, A-N and the Juvenile Corrections Officer Core Course. ☒ ☐ ☐ All youth supervision staff complete Suicide Prevention Training annually. (b) Screening, Identification Assessment and Precautionary Protocols G-109 Screening Identification Assessment (1) All youth shall be screened for risk of suicide at intake and as needed during detention. ☒ ☐ ☐ The IGJJCC utilizes the MAYSI-2 Instrument to assess the risk of suicide for youth at admission. (2) All youth supervision staff who perform intake processes shall be trained in screening youth for risk ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Admission Procedures V, A of suicide. (3) All youth who have been identified during the intake screening process to be at risk of suicide shall G-109 Admission Procedures IV, A be referred to behavioral/mental health staff for a ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Screening Identification Assessment II, suicide risk assessment. A-C (4) Precautionary protocols shall be developed to ensure the youth’s safety pending the ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Suicide Intervention Procedures I-VIII behavioral/mental health assessment. (c) Referral process to behavioral/mental health staff for assessment and/or services. G-109 Admission Procedures IV, A. V, and K ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Screening Identification Assessment II, B (d) Procedures for monitoring of youth identified at risk for suicide. ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Suicide Intervention Procedures I-VIII (e) Safety Interventions (1) Procedures to address intervention protocols for G-109 Suicide Intervention Procedures I-VIII ☒ ☐ ☐ youth identified at risk for suicide which may include, but are not limited to: (A) Housing consideration G-109 II, B Suicide Intervention Procedures ☒ ☐ ☐ (sleeping room) G-109 II, C (Safety Room) 7328 Merced Secure Youth Treatment Facility PRO 23-24 Page 2 of 6 A453 JUV PRO eff. 1/2019 (23-24).dot TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (B) Treatment strategies including trauma- informed approaches ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Suicide Intervention Procedures II (2) Procedures to instruct youth supervision staff how to respond to youth who exhibit suicidal G-109 I-VIII Suicide Intervention Procedures ☒ ☐ ☐ behaviors. G-109 I, A-E Suicide Intervention Procedures (f) Communication (1) The intake process shall include communication G-109 Admission Procedures I and II with the arresting officer and family guardians ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Communication I-VII regarding the youth’s past or present suicidal ideations, behaviors or attempts. (2) Procedures for clear and current information sharing about youth at risk for suicide with youth G-109 Communication I ☒ ☐ ☐ supervision, healthcare, and behavioral/mental health staff. (g) Debriefing of Critical Incidents Related to Suicides or Attempts G-109 Debriefing (1) Process for administrative review of the ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Administrative Review circumstances and responses proceeding, during and after the critical incident. (2) Process for a debriefing event with affected ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Debriefing I staff. (3) Process for a debriefing event with affected youth. ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Debriefing I (h) Documentation (1) Documentation processes shall be developed to G-109 E Suicide Attempt Procedure ensure compliance with this regulation G-109 II, G and H Suicide Intervention ☒ ☐ ☐ Procedures G-109 IV Admission Procedures Youth identified at risk for suicide shall not be denied the opportunity to participate in facility programs, services G-109 GP I and activities which are available to other non-suicidal youth, unless deemed necessary for the safety of the ☒ ☐ ☐ youth or security of the facility. Any deprivation of programs, services or activities for youth at risk of suicide shall be documented and approved by the facility manager. 7328 Merced Secure Youth Treatment Facility PRO 23-24 Page 3 of 6 A453 JUV PRO eff. 1/2019 (23-24).dot TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS 1371 PROGRAMS, RECREATION, AND EXERCISE. J-106 Recreation GP I The facility administrator shall develop and implement The IGJJCC continues to provide numerous written policies and procedures for programs, programming and service opportunities, recreation, and exercise for all youth. The intent is to facilitated by the Program Specialist, 3 Peer minimize the amount of time youth are in their rooms or Specialists (2 full-time and 1 part-time), 2 their bed area. Wellpath Behavior Health Service staff, and the addition of 12 GEO Program Monitors/Facilitators. We spoke with the Program Specialist, Shannon High, who is tasked with coordinating the Behavior Management process for activities, programming, and ☒ ☐ ☐ incentives, as well as developing the Program Schedule with the now fully staffed GEO facilitators. The GEO Group supports 12 positions to work with youth on numerous curriculum-based alternatives to address the population needs with individual and group programs. While on-site for the Unannounced Inspection, we spoke with 8 of the 12 staff present and noted there were more GEO staff on site than youth supervision staff. We found the efforts by the agency far exceed regulation. Juvenile facilities shall provide the opportunity for programs, recreation, and exercise a minimum of three J-106 GP II hours a day during the week and five hours a day each ☒ ☐ ☐ Saturday, Sunday or other non-school days, of which one hour shall be an outdoor activity, weather permitting. A youth’s participation in programs, recreation, and exercise may be suspended only upon a written finding J-106 GP III by the administrator/manager or designee that a youth ☒ ☐ ☐ represents a threat to the safety and security of the facility. Such program, recreation, and exercise schedule shall be posted in the living units. ☒ ☐ ☐ J-106 GP II There will be a written annual review of the programs, recreation, and exercise by the responsible agency to J-106 GP X ☒ ☐ ☐ ensure content offered is current, consistent, and relevant to the population. 7328 Merced Secure Youth Treatment Facility PRO 23-24 Page 4 of 6 A453 JUV PRO eff. 1/2019 (23-24).dot TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (a) Programs. All youth shall be provided with the opportunity for at least one hour of daily programming to J-106 Structured Recreation, I include, but not be limited to, trauma focused, cognitive, evidence-based, best practice interventions that are Programs facilitated by the Peer Specialists culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate, or pro- and GEO Monitors/Facilitators are fully social interventions and activities designed to reduce operational. We were provided a schedule recidivism. These programs should be based on the and observed youth involved while on-site. youth’s individual needs as required by Sections 1355 and 1356. Such programs may be provided under the Programs include: Anger Management – 1) direction of the Chief Probation Officer or the County Managing Aggression and Violence and 2) Office of Education and can be administered by county Anger Management: Substance Abuse and partners such as mental health agencies, community Mental Health Management; Cognitive based organizations, faith-based organizations or Behavior Interventions: Substance Use Youth; Probation staff. Coping and Life Skills by R1Learning; Coping, Programs may include but are not limited to: Life Skills, Trauma and Family Relationships; Family Engagement – 1) National Fatherhood Initiative Inside/Out Dad, 2) Nurturing Parenting Program, and 3) Partners in Parenting; Phoenix New Freedom Gang Intervention Program; Healthy Relationships – Adolescents; Interactive Journaling – topics include: What Got Me Here, Individualized Change Plan, Responsible Behavior, Re- Entry Planning, Handling Difficult Feelings, Relationships and Communication, Victim ☒ ☐ ☐ Awareness, Substance Abusing Behavior, and, Family; Juvenile Moral Recognition Therapy; Life Skills; Motivational Enhancement 1) Getting Motivated to Change and 2) Texas Christian University Mapping (visual counseling strategy); Social Skills; Substance Abuse program – Living in Balance; Trauma 1) Voices and 2) A Young Man’s Guide to Self-Mastery; and Victim Impact – Listen and Learn. Each program offers best-practice alternatives and is responsive to measures that are outcome- driven. In addition to the programs provided above, the MCOE provides the following: Online College with Merced City College; Career Technical Education; Regional Occupation Program (ROP) which includes Culinary Essentials, Logistics and Warehouse (forklift operation), Rise to Higher Grounds Café, Work-Landscape-Agriculture (WLA), Creative Writing and Book Club. 7328 Merced Secure Youth Treatment Facility PRO 23-24 Page 5 of 6 A453 JUV PRO eff. 1/2019 (23-24).dot TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (1) Cognitive Behavior Interventions; (2) Management of Stress and Trauma; J-106 Structured Recreation I (3) Anger Management; (4) Conflict Resolution; (5) Juvenile Justice System; (6) Trauma-related interventions; (7) Victim Awareness; (8) Self-Improvement; (9) Parenting Skills and support; ☐ ☐ ☐ (10) Tolerance and Diversity; (11) Healing Informed Approaches; (12) Interventions by Credible Messengers; (13) Gender Specific Programming; (14) Art, creative writing, or self-expression; (15) CPR and First Aid training; (16) Restorative Justice or Civic Engagement; (17) Career and leadership opportunities; and, (18) Other topics suitable to the youth population. (b) Recreation. All youth shall be provided the opportunity for at least one hour of daily access to unscheduled J-106 Unstructured Recreation activities such as leisure reading, letter writing, and ☒ ☐ ☐ entertainment. Activities shall be supervised and include orientation and may include coaching of youth. (c) Exercise. All youth shall be provided with the opportunity for at least one hour of large muscle activity ☒ ☐ ☐ J-106 Procedures each day. The administrator/manager may suspend, for a period not to exceed 24 hours, access to recreation and J-106 GP IX programs. The administrator/manager shall document ☒ ☐ ☐ the reasons why suspension of recreation and programs occurs. 7328 Merced Secure Youth Treatment Facility PRO 23-24 Page 6 of 6 A453 JUV PRO eff. 1/2019 (23-24).dot JUVENILE HALLS, SPECIAL PURPOSE JUVENILE HALLS AND CAMPS Board of State and Community Corrections PROCEDURES CHECKLIST 1, 2 BSCC Code: 7330 FACILITY NAME: Bear Creek Academy Youth Camp FACILITY TYPE: Camp PERSON(S) INTERVIEWED: Ben Rodriguez, Probation Division Manager; Shannon High, Program Specialist Desire Ramos, Program Manager – GEO; Carmela Chavez, Supervisor – GEO; Zachariah Holt, Program Facilitator – GEO; Nora Salgado, Program Facilitator – GEO; Adrianna Garcia, Program Facilitator – GEO; Kristen Brauchler, Program Facilitator – GEO; Armando Cervantes, Program Facilitator – GEO; May Yang, Wellpath RN. FIELD REPRESENTATIVE: Elizabeth Gong DATE: November 3, 2023 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS 1329 SUICIDE PREVENTION PLAN G-109 Suicide Identification Program The facility administrator, in collaboration with the Y-G-05 Wellpath Suicide Prevention Program healthcare and behavioral/mental health administrators, shall plan and implement written policies and The IGJJCC had two youth involved in procedures which delineate a Suicide Prevention Plan. documented suicide behaviors resulting in 1-1 The plan shall consider the needs of youth experiencing (Safety Room) placement while on site for the past or current trauma. Suicide prevention responses comprehensive inspection. shall be respectful and in the least invasive manner consistent with the level of suicide risk. The plan shall Both incidents were high-risk and debrief with include the following elements: the agencies revealed the need for more intense communication in all partners evaluating the youth’s needs and what the agency can do to mitigate the need for safety room protocols. We completed an unannounced inspection to determine if the agency and Wellpath ☒ ☐ ☐ Behavior Health had developed a coordinated approach to the response for suicidal behaviors. Although the Clinicians or Wellpath Behavior Health Administrators were not on- site at the time, we learned from Program Manager Rodriguez that there has been a significant shift in administrative staff since the Comprehensive Inspection. The two Clinicians actively on-site daily are providing services and actively participate with Probation staff to have the least restrictive response to suicide behaviors as required in regulation. Probation was compliant at the time of the inspection; however, Wellpath Policy and their responses were inconsistent. We were provided with a Mental Health Behavior Management Plan, a form 1 This document is intended for use as a tool during the inspection process; this worksheet may not contain each Title 15 regulation that is required. Additionally, many regulations on this worksheet are SUMMARIES of the regulation; the text on this worksheet may not contain the entire text of the actual regulation. Please refer to the complete California Code of Regulations, Title 15, Minimum Standards for Local Facilities, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 5 for the complete list and text of regulations. 2 This is a modified version of the Procedures Checklist and is only intended for use with the 23-24 Unannounced inspection of the Bear Creek Academy Youth Camp. 7330 Merced Bear Creek Academy Youth Camp PRO 23-24 Page 1 of 6 A453 JUV PRO eff. 1/2019 (23-24).dot TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS completed by Behavior Health in collaboration with Probation staff. The Plan is designed to target and resolve behaviors which hinder the youth’s overall safety in the custodial setting. The form prompts an initial and weekly follow- up of the following: Goals, Incentives, Potential Triggers, Behaviors of Concern, Housing Plan, Mental Health Interventions, Custody (staff) Interventions, and Medical Interventions. We were impressed with the active and continuing resolution of issues that arise, specific to this regulation. The agency remains compliant with Section 1329, Suicide Prevention Plan. (a) Suicide prevention training as required in Section 1322, Youth Supervision Staff Orientation, and Training G-109 Admission Procedures V, A-N and the Juvenile Corrections Officer Core Course. ☒ ☐ ☐ All youth supervision staff complete Suicide Prevention Training annually. (b) Screening, Identification Assessment and Precautionary Protocols G-109 Screening Identification Assessment (1) All youth shall be screened for risk of suicide at intake and as needed during detention. ☒ ☐ ☐ The IGJJCC utilizes the MAYSI-2 Instrument to assess the risk of suicide for youth at admission. (2) All youth supervision staff who perform intake processes shall be trained in screening youth for risk ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Admission Procedures V, A of suicide. (3) All youth who have been identified during the intake screening process to be at risk of suicide shall G-109 Admission Procedures IV, A be referred to behavioral/mental health staff for a ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Screening Identification Assessment II, suicide risk assessment. A-C (4) Precautionary protocols shall be developed to ensure the youth’s safety pending the ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Suicide Intervention Procedures I-VIII behavioral/mental health assessment. (c) Referral process to behavioral/mental health staff for assessment and/or services. G-109 Admission Procedures IV, A. V, and K ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Screening Identification Assessment II, B (d) Procedures for monitoring of youth identified at risk for suicide. ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Suicide Intervention Procedures I-VIII (e) Safety Interventions (1) Procedures to address intervention protocols for G-109 Suicide Intervention Procedures I-VIII ☒ ☐ ☐ youth identified at risk for suicide which may include, but are not limited to: (A) Housing consideration G-109 II, B Suicide Intervention Procedures ☒ ☐ ☐ (sleeping room) G-109 II, C (Safety Room) 7330 Merced Bear Creek Academy Youth Camp PRO 23-24 Page 2 of 6 A453 JUV PRO eff. 1/2019 (23-24).dot TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (B) Treatment strategies including trauma- informed approaches ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Suicide Intervention Procedures II (2) Procedures to instruct youth supervision staff how to respond to youth who exhibit suicidal G-109 I-VIII Suicide Intervention Procedures ☒ ☐ ☐ behaviors. G-109 I, A-E Suicide Intervention Procedures (f) Communication (1) The intake process shall include communication G-109 Admission Procedures I and II with the arresting officer and family guardians ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Communication I-VII regarding the youth’s past or present suicidal ideations, behaviors or attempts. (2) Procedures for clear and current information sharing about youth at risk for suicide with youth G-109 Communication I ☒ ☐ ☐ supervision, healthcare, and behavioral/mental health staff. (g) Debriefing of Critical Incidents Related to Suicides or Attempts G-109 Debriefing (1) Process for administrative review of the ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Administrative Review circumstances and responses proceeding, during and after the critical incident. (2) Process for a debriefing event with affected ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Debriefing I staff. (3) Process for a debriefing event with affected youth. ☒ ☐ ☐ G-109 Debriefing I (h) Documentation (1) Documentation processes shall be developed to G-109 E Suicide Attempt Procedure ensure compliance with this regulation G-109 II, G and H Suicide Intervention ☒ ☐ ☐ Procedures G-109 IV Admission Procedures Youth identified at risk for suicide shall not be denied the opportunity to participate in facility programs, services G-109 GP I and activities which are available to other non-suicidal youth, unless deemed necessary for the safety of the ☒ ☐ ☐ youth or security of the facility. Any deprivation of programs, services or activities for youth at risk of suicide shall be documented and approved by the facility manager. 7330 Merced Bear Creek Academy Youth Camp PRO 23-24 Page 3 of 6 A453 JUV PRO eff. 1/2019 (23-24).dot TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS 1371 PROGRAMS, RECREATION, AND EXERCISE. J-106 Recreation GP I The facility administrator shall develop and implement The IGJJCC continues to provide numerous written policies and procedures for programs, programming and service opportunities, recreation, and exercise for all youth. The intent is to facilitated by the Program Specialist, 3 Peer minimize the amount of time youth are in their rooms or Specialists (2 full-time and 1 part-time), 2 their bed area. Wellpath Behavior Health Service staff, and the addition of 12 GEO Program Monitors/Facilitators. We spoke with the Program Specialist, Shannon High, who is tasked with coordinating the Behavior Management process for activities, programming, and ☒ ☐ ☐ incentives, as well as developing the Program Schedule with the now fully staffed GEO facilitators. The GEO Group supports 12 positions to work with youth on numerous curriculum-based alternatives to address the population needs with individual and group programs. While on-site for the Unannounced, we spoke with 8 of the 12 staff present and noted there were more GEO staff on site than youth supervision staff. We found the efforts by the agency far exceed regulation. Juvenile facilities shall provide the opportunity for programs, recreation, and exercise a minimum of three J-106 GP II hours a day during the week and five hours a day each ☒ ☐ ☐ Saturday, Sunday or other non-school days, of which one hour shall be an outdoor activity, weather permitting. A youth’s participation in programs, recreation, and exercise may be suspended only upon a written finding J-106 GP III by the administrator/manager or designee that a youth ☒ ☐ ☐ represents a threat to the safety and security of the facility. Such program, recreation, and exercise schedule shall be posted in the living units. ☒ ☐ ☐ J-106 GP II There will be a written annual review of the programs, recreation, and exercise by the responsible agency to J-106 GP X ☒ ☐ ☐ ensure content offered is current, consistent, and relevant to the population. 7330 Merced Bear Creek Academy Youth Camp PRO 23-24 Page 4 of 6 A453 JUV PRO eff. 1/2019 (23-24).dot TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (a) Programs. All youth shall be provided with the opportunity for at least one hour of daily programming to J-106 Structured Recreation, I include, but not be limited to, trauma focused, cognitive, evidence-based, best practice interventions that are Programs facilitated by the Peer Specialists culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate, or pro- and GEO Monitors/Facilitators are fully social interventions and activities designed to reduce operational. We were provided a schedule recidivism. These programs should be based on the and observed youth involved while on-site. youth’s individual needs as required by Sections 1355 and 1356. Such programs may be provided under the Programs include: Anger Management – 1) direction of the Chief Probation Officer or the County Managing Aggression and Violence and 2) Office of Education and can be administered by county Anger Management: Substance Abuse and partners such as mental health agencies, community Mental Health Management; Cognitive based organizations, faith-based organizations or Behavior Interventions: Substance Use Youth; Probation staff. Coping and Life Skills by R1Learning; Coping, Programs may include but are not limited to: Life Skills, Trauma and Family Relationships; Family Engagement – 1) National Fatherhood Initiative Inside/Out Dad, 2) Nurturing Parenting Program, and 3) Partners in Parenting; Phoenix New Freedom Gang Intervention Program; Healthy Relationships – Adolescents; Interactive Journaling – topics include: What Got Me Here, Individualized Change Plan, Responsible Behavior, Re- Entry Planning, Handling Difficult Feelings, Relationships and Communication, Victim ☒ ☐ ☐ Awareness, Substance Abusing Behavior, and, Family; Juvenile Moral Recognition Therapy; Life Skills; Motivational Enhancement 1) Getting Motivated to Change and 2) Texas Christian University Mapping (visual counseling strategy); Social Skills; Substance Abuse program – Living in Balance; Trauma 1) Voices and 2) A Young Man’s Guide to Self-Mastery; and Victim Impact – Listen and Learn. Each program offers best-practice alternatives and is responsive to measures that are outcome- driven. In addition to the programs provided above, the MCOE provides the following: Online College with Merced City College; Career Technical Education; Regional Occupation Program (ROP) which includes Culinary Essentials, Logistics and Warehouse (forklift operation), Rise to Higher Grounds Café, Work-Landscape-Agriculture (WLA), Creative Writing and Book Club. 7330 Merced Bear Creek Academy Youth Camp PRO 23-24 Page 5 of 6 A453 JUV PRO eff. 1/2019 (23-24).dot TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (1) Cognitive Behavior Interventions; (2) Management of Stress and Trauma; J-106 Structured Recreation I (3) Anger Management; (4) Conflict Resolution; (5) Juvenile Justice System; (6) Trauma-related interventions; (7) Victim Awareness; (8) Self-Improvement; (9) Parenting Skills and support; ☒ ☐ ☐ (10) Tolerance and Diversity; (11) Healing Informed Approaches; (12) Interventions by Credible Messengers; (13) Gender Specific Programming; (14) Art, creative writing, or self-expression; (15) CPR and First Aid training; (16) Restorative Justice or Civic Engagement; (17) Career and leadership opportunities; and, (18) Other topics suitable to the youth population. (b) Recreation. All youth shall be provided the opportunity for at least one hour of daily access to unscheduled J-106 Unstructured Recreation activities such as leisure reading, letter writing, and ☒ ☐ ☐ entertainment. Activities shall be supervised and include orientation and may include coaching of youth. (c) Exercise. All youth shall be provided with the opportunity for at least one hour of large muscle activity ☒ ☐ ☐ J-106 Procedures each day. The administrator/manager may suspend, for a period not to exceed 24 hours, access to recreation and J-106 GP IX programs. The administrator/manager shall document ☒ ☐ ☐ the reasons why suspension of recreation and programs occurs. 7330 Merced Bear Creek Academy Youth Camp PRO 23-24 Page 6 of 6 A453 JUV PRO eff. 1/2019 (23-24).dot