Orange County Probation (2023-2024 inspection cycle)

May 5, 2023 Daniel Hernandez, Chief Probation Officer Orange County Probation Department P.O. Box 10260 Santa Ana, CA 92711 2023 UNANNOUNCED INSPECTION, WELFARE & INSTITUTIONS CODE SECTIONS 209 & 885 OF ORANGE COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT JUVENILE HALL Dear Chief Hernandez: Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Sections 209 & 885, on April 20, 2023, the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) staff conducted an unannounced inspection of the Orange County Juvenile Hall. The focus of the unannounced inspection was to verify ongoing construction projects that were specified to begin in a timeframe of six to nine months. As you are aware, construction within the parameters of a juvenile facility requires BSCC Plan Review to determine the project’s compliance with Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Minimum Standards for Local Detention Facilities. We also completed a walkthrough of the ongoing Control Station upgrades. INSPECTION RESULTS The inspection consisted of a site visit and interviews with administration staff. In prior conversations with Chief Hernandez, the move of the Youth Guidance Center to the physical plant at Juvenile Hall, and a Transition Housing facility for the Secure Youth Treatment Facility’s (SYTF) youth (also on the grounds of the Juvenile Hall) were described as projects to begin without a structured timeline. I was surprised to learn the demolition of five Juvenile Hall Units (nine if including the Transitional Housing Plan), is just six to nine months away as no plans or discussions beyond the idea had been relayed to the BSCC. Please note, Title 24, Section 13- 201 (c), requires specific items from the county regarding this process. I was advised by your Juvenile Hall Director, Priscilla Suzuki, and Director Martin Corrales from the Youth Guidance Center, that no dates or formal plans had been established. However, this is confusing as I understand in a later email from Ms. Suzuki that Lionakis has developed Conceptual Drawings, and as noted in Section 13-201 (c), 5, (2), you are at the stage for submittals to the BSCC. If this is incorrect, please advise. It is also important to note that if the two planned projects are to occur simultaneously, as well as a planned build of a maximum-security unit, the units left for housing equates to six living units; and this is only if the over two-year-long remodel of units B and C is completed. You have vast populations within the Juvenile Hall, therefore, a classification system to account for your Daniel Hernandez, Chief of Probation Page 2 SB 823 youth (over and under 18 years of age), female population, Pre-Camp designation, Intake, Mentally Ill Offender youth, Sex Offender youth, and long-term detention youth will need to be addressed. It is also noted, at the Pre-Inspection Briefing (PIB) for the comprehensive inspection your staff was advised the BSCC would need your updated policy manual. At the previous inspection in May 2021, I received several new and consolidated policies in draft form; however, I still have not received the over 100 new (draft) policies I was advised were pending throughout my ongoing visits for the MRC Construction project. I will be conducting the comprehensive inspection in July 2023, and it is important policies are consistent with operations, and that new policies, or at minimum a review of existing policies, occur before this visit. CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN There were no items of noncompliance identified during the unannounced inspection, and no Corrective Action Plan is required at this time. The Policy Manual and submittals will need to meet the required timelines established in the regulation moving forward. * * * I am available to provide technical assistance when requested. I look forward to continuing to work together. Please do not hesitate to email me at Elizabeth.gong@bscc.ca.gov if you have any questions related to this process. Sincerely, Elizabeth Gong Field Representative Facilities Standards & Operations Division cc: Presiding Judge, Juvenile Court, Orange County* Chair, Board of Supervisors, Orange County* County Administrator, Orange County* Jessica Johnson, Deputy Chief Probation Officer – Facilities Priscilla Suzuki, Director, Orange County Juvenile Hall Martin Corrales, Director, Youth Guidance Center *Complete copies of this inspection are available upon request and at www.bscc.ca.gov. 7376 Orange Probation JH Unannounced LTR 23-24