San Diego Probation (2023-2024 inspection cycle)

October 3, 2024 Tamika Nelson, Chief Probation Officer San Diego County Probation Department PO Box 23597 San Diego, CA 92193-3597 2023-2024 TARGETED INSPECTION, WELFARE & INSTITUTIONS CODE SECTIONS 209 & 885, SAN DIEGO COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT DETENTION FACILITIES Dear Chief Nelson: A Targeted Inspection of the San Diego County Probation Department has been completed. A pre-inspection briefing was held on Thursday, June 27, 2024, and the following facilities were inspected between Wednesday, September 18, 2024 and Friday, September 20, 2024: FACILITY NAME BSCC # FACILITY TYPE East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility 7492 JH San Diego Secured Youth Treatment Facility 7498 SYTF 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. INSPECTION RESULTS We identified no items of noncompliance with Title 15 Minimum Standards. Refer to the attached Procedures Checklist for detailed information. An Exit Briefing with your staff was held on Friday, September 20, 2024; BSCC staff presented an inspection overview and discussed technical assistance and best practice recommendations. * * * Please email me at craigus.thompson@bscc.ca.gov or call (916) 597-4610 if you have any questions. Tamika Nelson, Chief Probation Officer Page 2 Sincerely, CRAIGUS THOMPSON SR. Field Representative Facilities Standards and Operations Division Enclosures Cc: Presiding Judge, San Diego County Juvenile Court* Chair, Juvenile Justice Commission, San Diego County* Chair, Board of Supervisors, San Diego County* County Administrator, San Diego County* Matthew Strickland, Chief Deputy, San Diego County David Joralemon, Chief Deputy, San Diego County *Copies of the inspection are available upon request or online at www.bscc.ca.gov. 7492+ San Diego Probation JH SYTF Targeted LTR 2024 JUVENILE HALLS, SPECIAL PURPOSE JUVENILE HALLS AND CAMPS Board of State and Community Corrections PROCEDURES CHECKLIST1 BSCC Code: 7492 FACILITY NAME: East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility (EMJDF) FACILITY TYPE: JH PERSON(S) INTERVIEWED: David Joralemon, Deputy Chief Probation Officer (DCPO); Christian Flores, Division Chief; Patrick Hernandez, Supervising Probation Officer (SPO); Jamie Poole, SPO; Eric Schick, SPO; Christopher Guillen, Senior Probation Officer; Nurideen Mateen-Farug, Deputy Probation Officer (DPO); Yadira Jimenez, DPO; Edward Quirk, DPO; Pedro Bernal Jr., DPO; Kovan Abdul-Razzak, DPO; David Galindo, DPO; Alberto Hernandez, DPO; Shannon Edison, Retiree; Arturo Mejia, Retiree FIELD REPRESENTATIVE: Craigus Thompson Sr. DATE: September 20, 2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS 1321 STAFFING Section 2.2 Staffing Levels and Chain of Command Each juvenile facility shall: (a) have an adequate number of personnel sufficient to We reviewed a variety of documents including carry out the overall facility operation and its safety check records, grievances, disciplinary programming, to provide for safety and security of youth actions, and incidents reports. Also we and staff, and meet established standards and reviewed March, April, and May 2024 staffing regulations; schedules for the facility. Review of these documents, as well as the policy and procedure manuals, revealed compliance with this regulation. At the time of the inspection, the East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility staffing consisted of 1 Deputy Chief Probation Officer (DCPO); 1 ☒ ☐ ☐ Division Chief (DC); 14 Supervising Probation Officers (SPO); 6 Senior Probation Officers (SrPO); 3 Reentry Deputy Probation Officers; 187 Deputy Probation Officers (DPO). This facility does not utilize Extra-Help or temporary staff. It should be noted that on September 17, 2024, an interoffice was sent out to all sworn staff ending mandatory overtime for officers in non-institution assignments. The facility walkthrough as well as interviews with the staff revealed the facility has adequate staffing to carry out the overall facility operations. (b) ensure that no required services shall be denied Section 2.2.2 Staffing Levels and Chain of because of insufficient numbers of staff on duty absent ☒ ☐ ☐ Command exigent circumstances; 1 This document is intended for use as a tool during the targeted 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 Juvenile Facilities, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 5 for the complete list and text of regulations. 7492 San Diego East Mesa Juvenile Detention Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 1 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (c) have a sufficient number of supervisory level staff to Section 2.2.2 Staffing Levels and Chain of ensure adequate supervision of all staff members; Command ☒ ☐ ☐ A Supervisor is identified on the daily shift rosters. (d) have a clearly identified person on duty at all times Section 2.2.2 Staffing Levels and Chain of who is responsible for operations and activities and has Command completed the Juvenile Corrections Officer Core Course ☒ ☐ ☐ and PC 832 training; EMJDF has a Supervisor or an assigned Senior Officer who acts with supervisory powers on each shift. (e) have at least one staff member present on each living Section 2.2.2 Staffing Levels and Chain of unit whenever there are youth in the living unit; Command ☒ ☐ ☐ Per policy and procedure manual, staff is always present in occupied housing units. (f) have sufficient food service personnel relative to the Section 2.2.6 Staffing Levels and Chain of number and security of living units, including staff Command qualified and available to: plan menus meeting nutritional requirements of youth; provide kitchen supervision; direct The facility has a food service contract with ☒ ☐ ☐ food preparation and servings; conduct related training Summit Foods. programs for culinary staff; and maintain necessary records; or, a facility may serve food that meets nutritional standards prepared by an outside source; (g) have sufficient administrative, clerical, recreational, Section 2.2.2 Staffing Levels and Chain of medical, dental, mental health, building maintenance, Command transportation, control room, facility security and other support staff for the efficient management of the facility, At the time of the inspection, the facility had 1 and to ensure that youth supervision staff shall not be ☒ ☐ ☐ Administrative Secretary; 1 Records Clerk; 1 diverted from supervising youth; and, Detention Processing Supervisor; 7 Detention Technicians; 2 Data Intake Assistants; 1 Storekeeper; 1 Laundry Worker; and 5 Maintenance Staff. (h) assign sufficient youth supervision staff to provide Section 2.2.2 Staffing Levels and Chain of continuous wide awake supervision of youth, subject to Command temporary variations in staff assignments to meet special ☒ ☐ ☐ program needs. Staffing shall be in compliance with a Staffing ratios are maintained throughout the minimum youth-staff ratio for the following facility types: facility for each housing unit. (1) Juvenile Halls Section 2.2.3 Staffing Levels and Chain of (A) during the hours that youth are awake, one Command wide-awake youth supervision staff member on duty for each 10 youth in detention; EMJDF population at the time of the targeted inspection was 146, with 146 male youth and ☒ ☐ ☐ 0 female youth. Review of documentation revealed staffing ratios are met at all times. It should be noted all female detention youth were transferred to YDC-Detention for housing in July 2024. (B) during the hours that youth are confined to their Section 2.2.3 Staffing Levels and Chain of room for the purpose of sleeping, one wide-awake Command youth supervision staff member on duty for each 30 youth in detention; A minimum of two (2) staff and one (1) Shift ☒ ☐ ☐ Leader are scheduled for each housing unit. The facility also schedules a minimum of three (3) rover staff per day and swing shifts. Review of daily schedules revealed compliance with this regulation. 7492 San Diego East Mesa Juvenile Detention Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 2 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (C) at least two wide-awake youth supervision staff Section 2.2.3 Staffing Levels and Chain of members on duty at all times, regardless of the Command number of youth in detention, unless an ☒ ☐ ☐ arrangement has been made for backup support Review of daily schedules revealed services which allow for immediate response to compliance with this regulation. emergencies; and, (D) at least one youth supervision staff member on Section 2.2.3 Staffing Levels and Chain of duty who is the same gender as youth housed in Command the facility. ☒ ☐ ☐ Review of daily schedules revealed compliance with this regulation. (E) personnel with primary responsibility for other Section 2.2.8.9 Staffing Levels and Chain of duties such as administration, supervision of Command personnel, academic or trade instruction, clerical, ☒ ☐ ☐ kitchen or maintenance shall not be classified as Staffing personnel listed within this regulation youth supervision staff positions. are not considered youth supervision staff. (2) Special Purpose Juvenile Halls Not Applicable (A) during hours that youth are awake, one wide- ☐ ☐ ☒ awake youth supervision staff member on duty for each 10 youth in detention; (B) during the hours that youth are confined to their room for the purpose of sleeping, one wide-awake ☐ ☐ ☒ youth supervision staff member on duty for each 30 youth in detention; (C) at least two wide-awake youth supervision staff members on duty at all times, regardless of the number of youth in detention, unless an ☐ ☐ ☒ arrangement has been made for backup support services which allow for immediate response to emergencies; and, (D) at least one youth supervision staff member on duty who is the same gender as youth housed in ☐ ☐ ☒ the facility. (E) personnel with primary responsibility for other duties such as administration, supervision of personnel, academic or trade instruction, clerical, ☐ ☐ ☒ kitchen or maintenance shall not be classified as youth supervision staff positions. (3) Camps Not Applicable (A) during the hours that youth are awake, one ☐ ☐ ☒ wide-awake youth supervision staff member on duty for each 15 youth in the camp population; (B) during the hours that youth are confined to their room for the purpose of sleeping, one wide-awake ☐ ☐ ☒ youth supervision staff member on duty for each 30 youth present in the facility; (C) at least two wide-awake youth supervision staff members on duty at all times, regardless of the number of youth in residence, unless ☐ ☐ ☒ arrangements have been made for backup support services which allow for immediate response to emergencies; (D) at least one youth supervision staff member on duty who is the same gender as youth housed in ☐ ☐ ☒ the facility; 7492 San Diego East Mesa Juvenile Detention Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 3 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (E) in addition to the minimum staff to youth ratio required in (h)(3)(A)-(B), consideration shall be given to the size, design, and location of the camp; types of youth committed to the camp; and the ☐ ☐ ☒ function of the camp in determining the level of supervision necessary to maintain the safety and welfare of youth and staff; (F) personnel with primary responsibility for other duties such as administration, supervision of personnel, academic or trade instruction, clerical, ☐ ☐ ☒ farm, forestry, kitchen or maintenance shall not be classified as youth supervision staff positions. 1328 SAFETY CHECKS Section 5.6 Counts and Safety Checks The facility administrator shall develop and implement Section 5.6.8 Safety Welfare Checks policy and procedures that provide for direct visual observation of youth at a minimum of every 15 minutes, We reviewed the EMJDF/SYTF safety checks at random or varied intervals during hours when youth for the months of March, April, and May 2024. are asleep or when youth are in their rooms, confined in Review of documentation revealed safety holding cells or confined to their bed in a dormitory. checks are being completed well within the Supervision is not replaced, but may be supplemented minimum 15 minutes and at random or varied by, an audio/visual electronic surveillance system intervals during the hours youth are confined designed to detect overt, aggressive or assaultive to their rooms. behavior and to summon aid in emergencies. All safety checks shall be documented with the actual time the We also reviewed live-time safety checks as check is completed. ☒ ☐ ☐ we toured the facility. All checks reviewed were in compliance with this regulation. It should be noted the facility implemented a quality assurance component for safety checks which entails the Unit Supervisor conducting an audit of the unit safety checks a minimum of two (2) times per shift. The Unit Supervisor is also responsible for reviewing ten (10) random safety check shifts per month which are then forwarded to the Division Chief for review. Finally, the facility retiree staff completes a secondary review of all safety checks to ensure continuous compliance. 7492 San Diego East Mesa Juvenile Detention Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 4 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS 1354.5 ROOM CONFINEMENT Lexipol Policy 602 (a) The facility administrator shall develop and We reviewed ten (10) room confinement implement written policies and procedures addressing incident reports and ten (10) Youth Room the confinement of youth in their room that are Confinement Checklist forms from EMJDF. consistent with Welfare and Institutions Code Section Review of policy and procedure manual and 208.3. The placement of a youth in room confinement documentation provided revealed compliance shall be accomplished in accordance with the following with this regulation. Each Youth Room guidelines: Confinement Checklist reviewed provided documentation of why the youth was placed on room confinement and the efforts made by staff to reintegrate the youth back in the regular programming. ☒ ☐ ☐ However, we did provide some technical assistance regarding each youth having an individualized plan to reintegrate the youth back into the program. We also discussed when multiple youth are involved in an incident ensure each youth are individually assessed for return to the program. It should be noted the facility is currently in the process of revising their room confinement procedures to ensure continuous compliance with this regulation. (1) Room confinement shall not be used before 602.3 Separation from Other Youths (a) other, less restrictive, options have been attempted and exhausted, unless attempting those options Review of documentation revealed all youth ☒ ☐ ☐ poses a threat to the safety or security of any youth placed on room confinement were appropriate or staff. as youth actions were posing a threat to the safety and security of the facility. (2) Room confinement shall not be used for the 602.3 Separation from Other Youths (b) purposes of punishment, coercion, convenience, or ☒ ☐ ☐ retaliation by staff. (3) Room confinement shall not be used to the extent 602.3 Separation from Other Youths (c) that it compromises the mental and physical health ☒ ☐ ☐ of the youth. (b) A youth may be held up to four hours in room 602.3.3 Room Confinement (a) confinement. After the youth has been held in room ☒ ☐ ☐ confinement for a period of four hours, staff shall do one or more of the following: 602.3.3 Room Confinement (a1) (1) Return the youth to general population. ☒ ☐ ☐ 602.3.3 Room Confinement (a2) (2) Consult with mental health or medical staff. ☒ ☐ ☐ (3) Develop an individualized plan that includes the 602.3.3 Room Confinement (a3) goals and objectives to be met in order to reintegrate ☒ ☐ ☐ the youth to general population. (4) If room confinement must be extended beyond 602.3.3 Room Confinement (b) four hours, staff shall do each of the following: (A) Document the reasons for room confinement 602.3.3 Room Confinement (b1) and the basis for the extension, the date and time ☒ ☐ ☐ the youth was first placed in room confinement, and when he or she is eventually released from room confinement. (B) Develop an individualized plan that includes 602.3.3 Room Confinement (b2) the goals and objectives to be met in order to ☒ ☐ ☐ integrate the youth to general population. 7492 San Diego East Mesa Juvenile Detention Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 5 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (C) Obtain documented authorization by the 602.3.3 Room Confinement (b3) facility superintendent or his or her designee ☒ ☐ ☐ every four hours thereafter. (5) This section is not intended to limit the use of 602.3.4 Exceptions (a) single-person rooms or cells for the housing of youth ☒ ☐ ☐ in juvenile facilities and does not apply to normal sleeping hours. (6) This section does not apply to youth or wards in 602.3.4 Exceptions (b) ☒ ☐ ☐ court holding facilities or adult facilities. (7) Nothing in this section shall be construed to 602.3.4 Exceptions (c) conflict with any law providing greater or additional ☒ ☐ ☐ protections to youth. (8) This section does not apply during an 602.3.4 Exceptions (d) extraordinary emergency circumstance that requires a significant departure from normal institutional operations, including a natural disaster or facility- ☒ ☐ ☐ wide threat that poses an imminent and substantial risk of harm to multiple staff or youth. This exception shall apply for the shortest amount of time needed to address this imminent and substantial risk of harm. (9) This section does not apply when a youth is 602.3.4 Exceptions (d) placed in a locked cell or sleeping room to treat and protect against the spread of a communicable 602.3.4 Exceptions (e) disease for the shortest amount of time required to reduce the risk of infection, with the written approval of a licensed physician or nurse practitioner, when the youth is not required to be in an infirmary for an ☒ ☐ ☐ illness. Additionally, this section does not apply when a youth is placed in a locked cell or sleeping room for required extended care after medical treatment with the written approval of a licensed physician or nurse practitioner, when the youth is not required to be in an infirmary for illness. 1357 USE OF FORCE Lexipol Policy 514 Use of Force The facility administrator, in cooperation with the We reviewed ten (10) hands-on use of force responsible physician, shall develop and implement reports at EMJDF. Review of policy and written policies and procedures for the use of force, procedure and documentation revealed which may include chemical agents. Force shall never compliance with this regulation. be applied as punishment, discipline, retaliation or ☒ ☐ ☐ treatment. It should be noted each report reviewed (a) At a minimum, each facility shall develop policies and contained staff efforts to de-escalate the procedures which: incident and command calls given to the youth prior to going hands-on to protect the safety of the youth and the facility. (1) restricts the use of force to that which is deemed Lexipol Policy 514.3 Use of Force reasonable and necessary, as defined in Section ☒ ☐ ☐ 1302 to ensure the safety and security of youth, staff, others and the facility. (2) outline the force options available to staff including Lexipol Policy 514.10 Training both physical and non-physical options and define ☒ ☐ ☐ when those force options are appropriate. (3) describe force options or techniques that are Lexipol Policy 514.10 Training ☒ ☐ ☐ expressly prohibited by the facility. (4) describe the requirements of staff to report any Lexipol Policy 514.6 Reporting the Use of inappropriate use of force, and to take affirmative ☒ ☐ ☐ Force action to immediately stop it. 7492 San Diego East Mesa Juvenile Detention Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 6 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (5) define a standardized reporting format that Lexipol Policy 514.6 Reporting the Use of includes time period and procedure for documenting Force and reporting the use of force, including reporting requirements of management and line staff and All use of force reports reviewed were well procedures for reviewing and tracking use of force written and contained staff efforts to de- incidents by supervisory and or management staff, ☒ ☐ ☐ escalate the youth involved and clear which include procedures for debriefing a particular directives for the youth to follow prior to going incident with staff and/or youth for the purposes of hands-on. training as well as mitigating the effects of trauma that may have been experienced by staff and /or the youth It should be noted debriefing with staff involved. occurred after each use of force incident. (6) Include an administrative review and a system for Lexipol Policy 514.9 Use of Force Review ☒ ☐ ☐ investigating unreasonable use of force. (7) define the role, notification, and follow-up Lexipol Policy 514.6.2 Required Notifications procedures required after use of force incidents for medical, mental health staff and parents or legal Notification to parent(s) are completed by the ☒ ☐ ☐ guardians. Supervising Probation Officers following each use of force incident and documented in the Case Management system. (8) describe the limitations of use of force on pregnant Lexipol Policy 515.9 Pregnant Youths youth in accordance with Penal Code Section 6030(f) and Welfare and Institutions Code Section 222. Restraints will not be used on youths who are known to be pregnant unless based on an individualized determination that restraints are reasonably necessary for the legitimate safety ☒ ☐ ☐ and security needs of the youth, the staff, or the public. As a standard practice, pregnant juveniles in institutions wear a vest indicating that they will not be placed in the “cover” position and OC spray will not be used. (b) Facilities that authorize chemical agents as a force Lexipol Policy 514.4 Use of Chemical Agents option shall include policies and procedures that: (1) identify who is approved to carry and/or utilize We reviewed ten (10) chemical agent use of chemical agents in the facility and the type, size and force reports from EMJDF. Also, we reviewed the approved method of deployment for those ten (10) five-minute Room Safety Welfare ☒ ☐ ☐ chemical agents. Checks reports. Following OC spray incidents, youth are placed on five-minute safety checks. Review of policy and procedure and documentation revealed compliance with this regulation. (2) mandate that chemical agents only be used when Lexipol Policy 514.4 Use of Chemical Agents there is an imminent threat to the youth’s safety or the safety of others and only when de-escalation efforts ☒ ☐ ☐ have been unsuccessful or are not reasonably possible. (3) outline the facility’s approved methods and Lexipol Policy 514.4 Use of Chemical Agents timelines for decontamination from chemical agents. This shall include that youth who have been exposed It should be noted each report reviewed stated ☒ ☐ ☐ to chemical agents shall not be left unattended until youth are attended to until the youth is no that youth is fully decontaminated or is no longer longer suffering from the effects of the suffering the effects of the chemical agent. chemical agent. (4) define the role, notification, and follow-up Lexipol Policy 514.6.2 Required Notifications procedures required after use of force incidents involving chemical agents for medical, mental health Notification to parent(s) are completed by the ☒ ☐ ☐ staff and parents or legal guardians. Supervising Probation Officers following each use of force incident and documented in the Case Management system. 7492 San Diego East Mesa Juvenile Detention Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 7 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (5) provide for the documentation of each incident of Lexipol Policy 514.6 Reporting the Use of use of chemical agents, including the reasons for Force which it was used, efforts to de-escalate prior to use, youth and staff involved, the date, time and location ☒ ☐ ☐ of use, decontamination procedures applied and identification of any injuries sustained as a result of such use. (c) Facilities shall develop policies and procedure which Lexipol Policy 514.10 Training require that agencies provide initial and regular training in use of force and chemical agents when appropriate ☒ ☐ ☐ that address: (1) known medical and behavioral health conditions that would contraindicate certain types of force; (2) acceptable chemical agents and the methods of Lexipol Policy 514.10 Training ☒ ☐ ☐ application. (3) signs or symptoms that should result in Lexipol Policy 514.6.2 Required Notifications immediate referral to medical or behavioral health. Notification for OC spray incidents are ☒ ☐ ☐ immediately reported to the facility medical and behavioral health staff. These notifications are documented within the incident reports. (4) instruction on the Constitutional Limitations of Lexipol Policy 514.10 Training ☒ ☐ ☐ Use of Force. (5) physical training force options that may require Lexipol Policy 514.10 Training ☒ ☐ ☐ the use of perishable skills. (6) timelines the facility uses to define regular Lexipol Policy 514.10 Training ☒ ☐ ☐ training. 1361 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE Lexipol Policy 609 Youth Grievances The facility administrator shall develop and implement We reviewed ten (10) random grievances written policies and procedures whereby any youth may from this inspection cycle from the EMJDF. appeal and have resolved grievances relating to any Review of policy and procedure and review of condition of confinement, including but not limited to documentation provided revealed compliance health care services, classification decisions, program with this regulation. participation, telephone, mail or visiting procedures, food, clothing, bedding, mistreatment, harassment or ☒ ☐ ☐ It should be noted the facility implemented a violations of the nondiscrimination policy. There shall be quality assurance component for grievances no time limit on filing grievances. Policies and which entails all grievances submitted shall be procedures shall include provisions whereby the facility initially responded to within 24 hours. After the manager ensures: initial response is completed, the grievance is sent to the Watch Commanders’ office where it is placed on a list to ensure resolution, if needed, is completed within ten (10) business days. (a) a grievance form and instructions for registering a Lexipol Policy 609.3 Access to the Grievance grievance, which includes provisions for the youth to System have free access to the form; ☒ ☐ ☐ Walkthrough of the facility revealed youth have free access to grievance forms which are in the dayroom of each living unit. (b) the youth shall have the option to confidentially file Lexipol Policy 609.3 Access to the Grievance the grievance or to deliver the form to any youth System supervision staff working in the facility; ☒ ☐ ☐ There is a confidential lock box located within each housing unit of the Facility. (c) resolution of the grievance at the lowest appropriate Lexipol Policy 609.3 Access to the Grievance ☒ ☐ ☐ staff level; System 7492 San Diego East Mesa Juvenile Detention Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 8 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (d) provision for a prompt review and initial response to Lexipol Policy 609.4.2 Timely Resolution of grievances within three (3) business days, grievances Grievances that relate to health and safety issues must be addressed immediately; All grievances reviewed had an initial response completed prior to three business ☒ ☐ ☐ days. It should be noted the facility recently implemented a new policy and procedure which requires initial responses to be completed within twenty-four (24) hours of grievance submission. (1) The youth may elect to be present to explain Lexipol Policy 609.4.5 State Requirements (a) his/her version of the grievance to a person not ☒ ☐ ☐ directly involved in the circumstances which led to the grievance. (2) Provision for a staff representative approved by Lexipol Policy 609.4.5 State Requirements (b) ☒ ☐ ☐ the facility administrator to assist the youth. (e) provision for a written response to the grievance Lexipol Policy 609.4.2 Timely Resolution of ☒ ☐ ☐ which includes the reasons for the decisions; Grievances (f) a system which provides that any appeal of a Lexipol Policy 609.4.3 Appeals to Grievance grievance shall be heard by a person not directly Findings ☒ ☐ ☐ involved in the circumstances which led to the grievance; (g) resolution of the grievance must occur within ten (10) Lexipol Policy 609.4.2 Timely Resolution of business days unless circumstances dictate a longer Grievances time frame. The youth shall be notified of any delay; ☒ ☐ ☐ and, All grievances reviewed were completed and resolved prior to ten (10) business days of submission. (h) the policy shall provide multiple internal and external Lexipol Policy 609.6 Additional Provisions for ☒ ☐ ☐ methods to report sexual abuse and sexual harassment. Grievances related to Sexual Abuse Whether or not associated with a grievance, concerns Lexipol Policy 609.4.5 State Requirements (c) of parents, guardians, staff or other parties shall be ☒ ☐ ☐ addressed and documented in accordance with written policies and procedures within a specified timeframe. 7492 San Diego East Mesa Juvenile Detention Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 9 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS 1371 PROGRAMS, RECREATION, AND Lexipol Policy 1002 Programs, Exercise, and EXERCISE. Recreation The facility administrator shall develop and implement Review of policy and procedures and daily written policies and procedures for programs, schedule revealed compliance with this recreation, and exercise for all youth. The intent is to regulation. Documentation of youth’s minimize the amount of time youth are in their rooms or programs, recreation, and exercise are their bed area. documented within the EMJDF Daily Unit Logs Program Sheets. We reviewed the months of March, April, May 2024 from EMJDF which also revealed compliance with this regulation. Each youth receives a minimum of one hour of programming, exercise, and recreation daily. ☒ ☐ ☐ It should be noted the facility implemented a quality assurance component for Program Sheets which entails the Unit Supervisor conducting an audit of the unit program sheet two (2) times per shift. The Unit Supervisor is also responsible for reviewing ten (10) random program sheets per month which are then forwarded to the Division Chief for review. Finally, the facility retiree staff completes a secondary review of all program sheets. If any discrepancies are found, the program sheet is forwarded back to the Unit Supervisor for corrections to ensure continuous compliance. Juvenile facilities shall provide the opportunity for Lexipol Policy 1002.3 Responsibilities programs, recreation, and exercise a minimum of three 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 Lexipol Policy 1002.7 Security and exercise may be suspended only upon a written finding Supervision by the administrator/manager or designee that a youth ☒ ☐ ☐ represents a threat to the safety and security of the Delegates authority to the Watch facility. Commander. Such program, recreation, and exercise schedule shall Lexipol Policy 1002.3 Responsibilities ☒ ☐ ☐ be posted in the living units. There will be a written annual review of the programs, Lexipol Policy 1002.3 Responsibilities recreation, and exercise by the responsible agency to ☒ ☐ ☐ ensure content offered is current, consistent, and Programs annual review was completed by relevant to the population. Chief Nelson on June 1, 2024. 7492 San Diego East Mesa Juvenile Detention Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 10 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (a) Programs. All youth shall be provided with the Lexipol Policy 1002.6 Access to Programs opportunity for at least one hour of daily programming to include, but not be limited to, trauma focused, cognitive, All youth at EMJDF participate in evidence-based, best practice interventions that are programming which focuses on trauma- culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate, or pro- focused, cognitive, evidence-based, best social interventions and activities designed to reduce practice interventions that are culturally recidivism. These programs should be based on the relevant and linguistically appropriate, or youth’s individual needs as required by Sections 1355 prosocial interventions and activities designed and 1356. Such programs may be provided under the to reduce recidivism. We reviewed EMJDF direction of the Chief Probation Officer or the County monthly programs list of available programs Office of Education and can be administered by county for the youth. partners such as mental health agencies, community based organizations, faith-based organizations or We were able to verify youth receive a Probation staff. minimum of one hour of programs daily by Programs may include but are not limited to: reviewing the Unit daily schedules, (1) Cognitive Behavior Interventions; documentation provided, and interviews with (2) Management of Stress and Trauma; ☒ ☐ ☐ youth and staff. (3) Anger Management; (4) Conflict Resolution; Each youth interviewed stated they always (5) Juvenile Justice System; receive a minimum of one hour per day each (6) Trauma-related interventions; of programs, recreation, and exercise. (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 Lexipol Policy 1002.5 Access to Recreation for at least one hour of daily access to unscheduled activities such as leisure reading, letter writing, and We were able to verify youth receive a entertainment. Activities shall be supervised and include ☒ ☐ ☐ minimum of one hour of recreation daily by orientation and may include coaching of youth. reviewing the Unit daily schedules, documentation provided, and interviews with youth and staff. (c) Exercise. All youth shall be provided with the Lexipol Policy 1002.4 Access to Exercise opportunity for at least one hour of large muscle activity each day. We were able to verify youth receive a ☒ ☐ ☐ minimum of one hour of exercise daily by reviewing the Unit daily schedules, documentation provided, and interviews with youth and staff. The administrator/manager may suspend, for a period Lexipol Policy 1002.7 Security and not to exceed 24 hours, access to recreation and Supervision programs. The administrator/manager shall document the reasons why suspension of recreation and programs ☒ ☐ ☐ It should be noted at no time during this occurs. inspection cycle the facility Administrator suspended youth access to recreation or programs. 7492 San Diego East Mesa Juvenile Detention Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 11 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 JUVENILE HALLS, SPECIAL PURPOSE JUVENILE HALLS AND CAMPS Board of State and Community PROCEDURES CHECKLIST1 BSCC Code: 7498 FACILITY NAME: San Diego Secured Youth Treatment Facility (Also known FACILITY TYPE: SYTF as YDA) PERSON(S) INTERVIEWED: David Joralemon, Deputy Chief Probation Officer (DCPO); Christian Flores, Division Chief; Patrick Hernandez, Supervising Probation Officer (SPO); Jamie Poole, SPO; Eric Schick, SPO; Christopher Guillen, Senior Probation Officer; Nurideen Mateen-Farug, Deputy Probation Officer (DPO); Yadira Jimenez, DPO; Edward Quirk, DPO; Pedro Bernal Jr., DPO; Kovan Abdul-Razzak, DPO; David Galindo, DPO; Alberto Hernandez, DPO; Shannon Edison, Retiree; Arturo Mejia, Retiree FIELD REPRESENTATIVE: Craigus Thompson Sr. DATE: September 20, 2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS 1321 STAFFING Section 2.2 Staffing Levels and Chain of Command Each juvenile facility shall: (a) have an adequate number of personnel sufficient to We reviewed a variety of documents including carry out the overall facility operation and its safety check records, grievances, disciplinary programming, to provide for safety and security of youth actions, and incident reports. Also, we and staff, and meet established standards and reviewed March, April, and May 2024 staffing regulations; schedules for the facility. Review of these documents, as well as the policy and procedure manuals, revealed compliance with this regulation. At the time of the inspection, the East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility which also houses the SYTF program staffing consisted of 1 Deputy Chief Probation Officer (DCPO); 1 ☒ ☐ ☒ Division Chief (DC); 14 Supervising Probation Officers (SPO); 6 Senior Probation Officers (SrPO); 3 Reentry Deputy Probation Officers; 187 Deputy Probation Officers (DPO). This facility does not utilize Extra-Help or temporary staff. It should be noted that on September 17, 2024, an interoffice was sent out to all sworn staff ending mandatory overtime for officers in non-institution assignments. The facility walkthrough as well as interviews with the staff revealed the facility has adequate staffing to carry out the overall facility operations. 1 This document is intended for use as a tool during the targeted 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 Juvenile Facilities, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 5 for the complete list and text of regulations. 7498 San Diego SYTF Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 1 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (b) ensure that no required services shall be denied Section 2.2.2 Staffing Levels and Chain of because of insufficient numbers of staff on duty absent ☒ ☐ ☐ Command exigent circumstances; (c) have a sufficient number of supervisory level staff to Section 2.2.2 Staffing Levels and Chain of ensure adequate supervision of all staff members; Command ☒ ☐ ☐ A Supervisor is identified on the daily shift rosters. (d) have a clearly identified person on duty at all times Section 2.2.2 Staffing Levels and Chain of who is responsible for operations and activities and has Command completed the Juvenile Corrections Officer Core Course ☒ ☐ ☐ and PC 832 training; SYTF has a Supervisor or an assigned Senior Officer who acts with supervisory powers on each shift. (e) have at least one staff member present on each living Section 2.2.2 Staffing Levels and Chain of unit whenever there are youth in the living unit; Command ☒ ☐ ☐ Per policy and procedure manual, staff is always present in occupied housing units. (f) have sufficient food service personnel relative to the Section 2.2.6 Staffing Levels and Chain of number and security of living units, including staff Command qualified and available to: plan menus meeting nutritional requirements of youth; provide kitchen supervision; direct The facility has a food service contract with ☒ ☐ ☐ food preparation and servings; conduct related training Summit Foods. programs for culinary staff; and maintain necessary records; or, a facility may serve food that meets nutritional standards prepared by an outside source; (g) have sufficient administrative, clerical, recreational, Section 2.2.2 Staffing Levels and Chain of medical, dental, mental health, building maintenance, Command transportation, control room, facility security and other support staff for the efficient management of the facility, At the time of the inspection, the facility had 1 and to ensure that youth supervision staff shall not be ☒ ☐ ☐ Administrative Secretary; 1 Records Clerk; 1 diverted from supervising youth; and, Detention Processing Supervisor; 7 Detention Technicians; 2 Data Intake Assistants; 1 Storekeeper; 1 Laundry Worker; and 5 Maintenance Staff. (h) assign sufficient youth supervision staff to provide Section 2.2.2 Staffing Levels and Chain of continuous wide awake supervision of youth, subject to Command temporary variations in staff assignments to meet special ☒ ☐ ☐ program needs. Staffing shall be in compliance with a Staffing ratios are maintained throughout the minimum youth-staff ratio for the following facility types: facility for each housing unit. (1) Juvenile Halls Not Applicable (A) during the hours that youth are awake, one ☐ ☐ ☒ wide-awake youth supervision staff member on duty for each 10 youth in detention; (B) during the hours that youth are confined to their room for the purpose of sleeping, one wide-awake ☐ ☐ ☒ youth supervision staff member on duty for each 30 youth in detention; (C) at least two wide-awake youth supervision staff members on duty at all times, regardless of the number of youth in detention, unless an ☐ ☐ ☒ arrangement has been made for backup support services which allow for immediate response to emergencies; and, (D) at least one youth supervision staff member on duty who is the same gender as youth housed in ☐ ☐ ☒ the facility. 7498 San Diego SYTF Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 2 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (E) personnel with primary responsibility for other duties such as administration, supervision of personnel, academic or trade instruction, clerical, ☐ ☐ ☒ kitchen or maintenance shall not be classified as youth supervision staff positions. (2) Special Purpose Juvenile Halls Not Applicable (A) during hours that youth are awake, one wide- ☐ ☐ ☒ awake youth supervision staff member on duty for each 10 youth in detention; (B) during the hours that youth are confined to their room for the purpose of sleeping, one wide-awake ☐ ☐ ☒ youth supervision staff member on duty for each 30 youth in detention; (C) at least two wide-awake youth supervision staff members on duty at all times, regardless of the number of youth in detention, unless an ☐ ☐ ☒ arrangement has been made for backup support services which allow for immediate response to emergencies; and, (D) at least one youth supervision staff member on duty who is the same gender as youth housed in ☐ ☐ ☒ the facility. (E) personnel with primary responsibility for other duties such as administration, supervision of personnel, academic or trade instruction, clerical, ☐ ☐ ☒ kitchen or maintenance shall not be classified as youth supervision staff positions. (3) Camps Section 2.2.3 Staffing Levels and Chain of (A) during the hours that youth are awake, one Command wide-awake youth supervision staff member on duty for each 15 youth in the camp population; ☒ ☐ ☐ SYTF population at the time of the Targeted inspection was 74 male youth. Review of documentation revealed staffing ratios are met at all times. (B) during the hours that youth are confined to their Section 2.2.3 Staffing Levels and Chain of room for the purpose of sleeping, one wide-awake Command youth supervision staff member on duty for each 30 youth present in the facility; A minimum of two (2) staff and one (1) Shift ☒ ☐ ☐ Leader are scheduled for each housing unit. The facility also schedules a minimum of three (3) rover staff per day and swing shifts. Review of daily schedules revealed compliance with this regulation. (C) at least two wide-awake youth supervision staff Section 2.2.3 Staffing Levels and Chain of members on duty at all times, regardless of the Command number of youth in residence, unless ☒ ☐ ☐ arrangements have been made for backup support Review of daily schedules revealed services which allow for immediate response to compliance with this regulation. emergencies; (D) at least one youth supervision staff member on Section 2.2.3 Staffing Levels and Chain of duty who is the same gender as youth housed in Command the facility; ☒ ☐ ☐ Review of daily schedules revealed compliance with this regulation. 7498 San Diego SYTF Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 3 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (E) in addition to the minimum staff to youth ratio Section 2.2.3 Staffing Levels and Chain of required in (h)(3)(A)-(B), consideration shall be Command given to the size, design, and location of the camp; types of youth committed to the camp; and the ☒ ☐ ☐ It should be noted the SYTF and EMJDF function of the camp in determining the level of youth are housed on the same campus but supervision necessary to maintain the safety and within different housing units. welfare of youth and staff; (F) personnel with primary responsibility for other Section 2.2.8.9 Staffing Levels and Chain of duties such as administration, supervision of Command personnel, academic or trade instruction, clerical, ☒ ☐ ☐ farm, forestry, kitchen or maintenance shall not be Staffing personnel listed within this regulation classified as youth supervision staff positions. are not considered youth supervision staff. 1328 SAFETY CHECKS Section 5.6 Counts and Safety Checks Section 5.6.8 Safety Welfare Checks The facility administrator shall develop and implement policy and procedures that provide for direct visual We reviewed the EMJDF/SYTF safety checks observation of youth at a minimum of every 15 minutes, for the months of March, April, and May 2024. at random or varied intervals during hours when youth Review of documentation revealed safety are asleep or when youth are in their rooms, confined in checks are being completed well within the holding cells or confined to their bed in a dormitory. minimum 15 minutes and at random or varied Supervision is not replaced, but may be supplemented intervals during the hours youth are confined by, an audio/visual electronic surveillance system to their rooms. designed to detect overt, aggressive or assaultive behavior and to summon aid in emergencies. All safety We also reviewed live-time safety checks as checks shall be documented with the actual time the we toured the facility. All checks reviewed check is completed. ☒ ☐ ☐ were in compliance with this regulation. It should be noted the facility implemented a quality assurance component for safety checks which entails the Unit Supervisor conducting an audit of the unit safety checks a minimum of two (2) times per shift. The Unit Supervisor is also responsible for reviewing ten (10) random safety checks shifts per month which are then forwarded to the Division Chief for review. Finally, the facility Retiree staff completes a secondary review of all safety checks to ensure continuous compliance. 7498 San Diego SYTF Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 4 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS 1354.5 ROOM CONFINEMENT Lexipol Policy 602 (a) The facility administrator shall develop and We reviewed ten (10) room confinement implement written policies and procedures addressing incident reports and ten (10) Youth Room the confinement of youth in their room that are Confinement Checklist forms from the SYTF. consistent with Welfare and Institutions Code Section Review of policy and procedure manual and 208.3. The placement of a youth in room confinement documentation provided revealed compliance shall be accomplished in accordance with the following with this regulation. Each Youth Room guidelines: Confinement Checklist reviewed provided documentation of why the youth was placed on room confinement and the efforts made by staff to reintegrate the youth back in the regular programming. ☒ ☐ ☐ However, we did provide some technical assistance regarding each youth having an individualized plan to reintegrate the youth back into the program. We also discussed when multiple youth are involved in an incident, to ensure each youth are individually assessed for return to the program. It should be noted the facility is currently in the process of revising their room confinement procedures to ensure continuous compliance with this regulation. (1) Room confinement shall not be used before 602.3 Separation from Other Youths (a) other, less restrictive, options have been attempted and exhausted, unless attempting those options Review of documentation revealed all youth ☒ ☐ ☐ poses a threat to the safety or security of any youth placed on room confinement were appropriate or staff. as youth actions were posing a threat to the safety and security of the facility. (2) Room confinement shall not be used for the 602.3 Separation from Other Youths (b) purposes of punishment, coercion, convenience, or ☒ ☐ ☐ retaliation by staff. (3) Room confinement shall not be used to the extent 602.3 Separation from Other Youths (c) that it compromises the mental and physical health ☒ ☐ ☐ of the youth. (b) A youth may be held up to four hours in room 602.3.3 Room Confinement (a) confinement. After the youth has been held in room ☒ ☐ ☐ confinement for a period of four hours, staff shall do one or more of the following: 602.3.3 Room Confinement (a1) (1) Return the youth to general population. ☒ ☐ ☐ 602.3.3 Room Confinement (a2) (2) Consult with mental health or medical staff. ☒ ☐ ☐ (3) Develop an individualized plan that includes the 602.3.3 Room Confinement (a3) goals and objectives to be met in order to reintegrate ☒ ☐ ☐ the youth to general population. (4) If room confinement must be extended beyond 602.3.3 Room Confinement (b) four hours, staff shall do each of the following: (A) Document the reasons for room confinement 602.3.3 Room Confinement (b1) and the basis for the extension, the date and time ☒ ☐ ☐ the youth was first placed in room confinement, and when he or she is eventually released from room confinement. (B) Develop an individualized plan that includes 602.3.3 Room Confinement (b2) the goals and objectives to be met in order to ☒ ☐ ☐ integrate the youth to general population. 7498 San Diego SYTF Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 5 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (C) Obtain documented authorization by the 602.3.3 Room Confinement (b3) facility superintendent or his or her designee ☒ ☐ ☐ every four hours thereafter. (5) This section is not intended to limit the use of 602.3.4 Exceptions (a) single-person rooms or cells for the housing of youth ☒ ☐ ☐ in juvenile facilities and does not apply to normal sleeping hours. (6) This section does not apply to youth or wards in 602.3.4 Exceptions (b) ☒ ☐ ☐ court holding facilities or adult facilities. (7) Nothing in this section shall be construed to 602.3.4 Exceptions (c) conflict with any law providing greater or additional ☒ ☐ ☐ protections to youth. (8) This section does not apply during an 602.3.4 Exceptions (d) extraordinary emergency circumstance that requires a significant departure from normal institutional operations, including a natural disaster or facility- ☒ ☐ ☐ wide threat that poses an imminent and substantial risk of harm to multiple staff or youth. This exception shall apply for the shortest amount of time needed to address this imminent and substantial risk of harm. (9) This section does not apply when a youth is 602.3.4 Exceptions (d) placed in a locked cell or sleeping room to treat and protect against the spread of a communicable 602.3.4 Exceptions (e) disease for the shortest amount of time required to reduce the risk of infection, with the written approval of a licensed physician or nurse practitioner, when the youth is not required to be in an infirmary for an ☒ ☐ ☐ illness. Additionally, this section does not apply when a youth is placed in a locked cell or sleeping room for required extended care after medical treatment with the written approval of a licensed physician or nurse practitioner, when the youth is not required to be in an infirmary for illness. 1357 USE OF FORCE Lexipol Policy 514 Use of Force The facility administrator, in cooperation with the We reviewed ten (10) hands-on use of force responsible physician, shall develop and implement reports at the SYTF. Review of policy and written policies and procedures for the use of force, procedure and documentation revealed which may include chemical agents. Force shall never compliance with this regulation. be applied as punishment, discipline, retaliation or ☒ ☐ ☐ treatment. It should be noted each report reviewed (a) At a minimum, each facility shall develop policies and contained staff efforts to de-escalate the procedures which: incident and command calls given to the youth prior to going hands-on to protect the safety of the youth and the facility. (1) restricts the use of force to that which is deemed Lexipol Policy 514.3 Use of Force reasonable and necessary, as defined in Section ☒ ☐ ☐ 1302 to ensure the safety and security of youth, staff, others and the facility. (2) outline the force options available to staff including Lexipol Policy 514.10 Training both physical and non-physical options and define ☒ ☐ ☐ when those force options are appropriate. (3) describe force options or techniques that are Lexipol Policy 514.10 Training ☒ ☐ ☐ expressly prohibited by the facility. (4) describe the requirements of staff to report any Lexipol Policy 514.6 Reporting the Use of inappropriate use of force, and to take affirmative ☒ ☐ ☐ Force action to immediately stop it. 7498 San Diego SYTF Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 6 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (5) define a standardized reporting format that Lexipol Policy 514.6 Reporting the Use of includes time period and procedure for documenting Force and reporting the use of force, including reporting requirements of management and line staff and All use of force reports reviewed were well procedures for reviewing and tracking use of force written and contained staff efforts to de- incidents by supervisory and or management staff, ☒ ☐ ☐ escalate the youth involved and clear which include procedures for debriefing a particular directives for the youth to follow prior to going incident with staff and/or youth for the purposes of hands-on. training as well as mitigating the effects of trauma that may have been experienced by staff and /or the youth It should be noted an informal debriefing with involved. staff occurred after each use of force incident. (6) Include an administrative review and a system for Lexipol Policy 514.9 Use of Force Review ☒ ☐ ☐ investigating unreasonable use of force. (7) define the role, notification, and follow-up Lexipol Policy 514.6.2 Required Notifications procedures required after use of force incidents for medical, mental health staff and parents or legal Notification to parent(s) is completed by the ☒ ☐ ☐ guardians. Supervising Probation Officers following each use of force incident and documented in the Case Management system. (8) describe the limitations of use of force on pregnant Lexipol Policy 515.9 Pregnant Youths youth in accordance with Penal Code Section 6030(f) and Welfare and Institutions Code Section 222. Restraints will not be used on youths who are known to be pregnant unless based on an individualized determination that restraints are reasonably necessary for the legitimate safety ☒ ☐ ☐ and security needs of the youth, the staff, or the public. As a standard practice, pregnant juveniles in institutions wear a vest indicating that they will not be placed in the “cover” position and OC spray will not be used. (b) Facilities that authorize chemical agents as a force Lexipol Policy 514.4 Use of Chemical Agents option shall include policies and procedures that: (1) identify who is approved to carry and/or utilize We reviewed ten (10) chemical agents use of chemical agents in the facility and the type, size and force reports from the SYTF. Also, we the approved method of deployment for those reviewed ten (10) five-minute Room Safety ☒ ☐ ☐ chemical agents. Welfare Checks reports. Following OC spray incidents, youths are placed on five-minute safety checks. Review of policy and procedure and documentation revealed compliance with this regulation. (2) mandate that chemical agents only be used when Lexipol Policy 514.4 Use of Chemical Agents there is an imminent threat to the youth’s safety or the safety of others and only when de-escalation efforts ☒ ☐ ☐ have been unsuccessful or are not reasonably possible. (3) outline the facility’s approved methods and Lexipol Policy 514.4 Use of Chemical Agents timelines for decontamination from chemical agents. This shall include that youth who have been exposed It should be noted each report reviewed stated ☒ ☐ ☐ to chemical agents shall not be left unattended until youth are attended to until the youth is no that youth is fully decontaminated or is no longer longer suffering from the effects of the suffering the effects of the chemical agent. chemical agent. (4) define the role, notification, and follow-up Lexipol Policy 514.6.2 Required Notifications procedures required after use of force incidents involving chemical agents for medical, mental health Notification to parent(s) is completed by the ☒ ☐ ☐ staff and parents or legal guardians. Supervising Probation Officers following each use of force incident and documented in the Case Management system. 7498 San Diego SYTF Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 7 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (5) provide for the documentation of each incident of Lexipol Policy 514.6 Reporting the Use of use of chemical agents, including the reasons for Force which it was used, efforts to de-escalate prior to use, youth and staff involved, the date, time and location ☒ ☐ ☐ of use, decontamination procedures applied and identification of any injuries sustained as a result of such use. (c) Facilities shall develop policies and procedure which Lexipol Policy 514.10 Training require that agencies provide initial and regular training in use of force and chemical agents when appropriate ☒ ☐ ☐ that address: (1) known medical and behavioral health conditions that would contraindicate certain types of force; (2) acceptable chemical agents and the methods of Lexipol Policy 514.10 Training ☒ ☐ ☐ application. (3) signs or symptoms that should result in Lexipol Policy 514.6.2 Required Notifications immediate referral to medical or behavioral health. Notification for OC spray incidents are ☒ ☐ ☐ immediately reported to the facility medical and behavioral health staff. These notifications are documented within the incident reports. (4) instruction on the Constitutional Limitations of Lexipol Policy 514.10 Training ☒ ☐ ☐ Use of Force. (5) physical training force options that may require Lexipol Policy 514.10 Training ☒ ☐ ☐ the use of perishable skills. (6) timelines the facility uses to define regular Lexipol Policy 514.10 Training ☒ ☐ ☐ training. 1361 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE Lexipol Policy 609 Youth Grievances The facility administrator shall develop and implement We reviewed ten (10) random grievances written policies and procedures whereby any youth may from this inspection cycle from the SYTF. appeal and have resolved grievances relating to any Review of policy and procedure and review of condition of confinement, including but not limited to documentation provided revealed compliance health care services, classification decisions, program with this regulation. participation, telephone, mail or visiting procedures, food, clothing, bedding, mistreatment, harassment or ☒ ☐ ☐ It should be noted the facility implemented a violations of the nondiscrimination policy. There shall be quality assurance component for grievances no time limit on filing grievances. Policies and which entails all grievances submitted shall be procedures shall include provisions whereby the facility initially responded to within 24 hours. After the manager ensures: initial response is completed, the grievance is sent to the Watch Commanders’ office where it is placed on a list to ensure resolution, if needed, is completed within ten (10) business days. (a) a grievance form and instructions for registering a Lexipol Policy 609.3 Access to the Grievance grievance, which includes provisions for the youth to System have free access to the form; ☒ ☐ ☐ Walkthrough of the facility revealed youth have free access to grievance forms which are in the dayroom of each living unit. (b) the youth shall have the option to confidentially file Lexipol Policy 609.3 Access to the Grievance the grievance or to deliver the form to any youth System supervision staff working in the facility; ☒ ☐ ☐ There is a confidential lock box located within each housing unit of the Facility. (c) resolution of the grievance at the lowest appropriate Lexipol Policy 609.3 Access to the Grievance ☒ ☐ ☐ staff level; System 7498 San Diego SYTF Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 8 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (d) provision for a prompt review and initial response to Lexipol Policy 609.4.2 Timely Resolution of grievances within three (3) business days, grievances Grievances that relate to health and safety issues must be addressed immediately; All grievances reviewed had an initial response completed prior to three business ☒ ☐ ☐ days. It should be noted the facility recently implemented a new policy and procedure which requires initial responses to be completed within twenty-four (24) hours of grievance submission. (1) The youth may elect to be present to explain Lexipol Policy 609.4.5 State Requirements (a) his/her version of the grievance to a person not ☒ ☐ ☐ directly involved in the circumstances which led to the grievance. (2) Provision for a staff representative approved by Lexipol Policy 609.4.5 State Requirements (b) ☒ ☐ ☐ the facility administrator to assist the youth. (e) provision for a written response to the grievance Lexipol Policy 609.4.2 Timely Resolution of ☒ ☐ ☐ which includes the reasons for the decisions; Grievances (f) a system which provides that any appeal of a Lexipol Policy 609.4.3 Appeals to Grievance grievance shall be heard by a person not directly Findings ☒ ☐ ☐ involved in the circumstances which led to the grievance; (g) resolution of the grievance must occur within ten (10) Lexipol Policy 609.4.2 Timely Resolution of business days unless circumstances dictate a longer Grievances time frame. The youth shall be notified of any delay; ☒ ☐ ☐ and, All grievances reviewed were completed and resolved prior to ten (10) business days of submission. (h) the policy shall provide multiple internal and external Lexipol Policy 609.6 Additional Provisions for ☒ ☐ ☐ methods to report sexual abuse and sexual harassment. Grievances related to Sexual Abuse Whether or not associated with a grievance, concerns Lexipol Policy 609.4.5 State Requirements (c) of parents, guardians, staff or other parties shall be ☒ ☐ ☐ addressed and documented in accordance with written policies and procedures within a specified timeframe. 7498 San Diego SYTF Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 9 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS 1371 PROGRAMS, RECREATION, AND Lexipol Policy 1002 Programs, Exercise, and EXERCISE. Recreation The facility administrator shall develop and implement Review of policy and procedures and daily written policies and procedures for programs, schedule revealed compliance with this recreation, and exercise for all youth. The intent is to regulation. Documentation of youth’s minimize the amount of time youth are in their rooms or programs, recreation, and exercise are their bed area. documented within the SYTF Daily Unit Logs Program Sheets. We reviewed the months of March, April, and May 2024 from SYTF which also revealed compliance with this regulation. Each youth receives a minimum of one hour of programming, exercise, and recreation daily. ☒ ☐ ☐ It should be noted the facility implemented a quality assurance component for Program Sheets which entails the Unit Supervisor conducting an audit of the unit program sheet two (2) times per shift. The Unit Supervisor is also responsible for reviewing ten (10) random program sheets per month which are then forwarded to the Division Chief for review. Finally, the facility Retiree staff completes a secondary review of all program sheets. If any discrepancies are found, the program sheet is forwarded back to the Unit Supervisor for corrections to ensure continuous compliance. Juvenile facilities shall provide the opportunity for Lexipol Policy 1002.3 Responsibilities programs, recreation, and exercise a minimum of three 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 Lexipol Policy 1002.7 Security and exercise may be suspended only upon a written finding Supervision by the administrator/manager or designee that a youth ☒ ☐ ☐ represents a threat to the safety and security of the Delegates authority to the Watch facility. Commander. Such program, recreation, and exercise schedule shall Lexipol Policy 1002.3 Responsibilities ☒ ☐ ☐ be posted in the living units. There will be a written annual review of the programs, Lexipol Policy 1002.3 Responsibilities recreation, and exercise by the responsible agency to ☒ ☐ ☐ ensure content offered is current, consistent, and Programs annual review was completed by relevant to the population. Chief Nelson on June 1, 2024. 7498 San Diego SYTF Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 10 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS (a) Programs. All youth shall be provided with the Lexipol Policy 1002.6 Access to Programs opportunity for at least one hour of daily programming to include, but not be limited to, trauma focused, cognitive, All youth at SYTF participate in programming evidence-based, best practice interventions that are which focuses on trauma-focused, cognitive, culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate, or pro- evidence-based, best practice interventions social interventions and activities designed to reduce that are culturally relevant and linguistically recidivism. These programs should be based on the appropriate, or prosocial interventions and youth’s individual needs as required by Sections 1355 activities designed to reduce recidivism. We and 1356. Such programs may be provided under the reviewed SYTF monthly programs list of direction of the Chief Probation Officer or the County available programs for the youth. Office of Education and can be administered by county partners such as mental health agencies, community We were able to verify youth receive a based organizations, faith-based organizations or minimum of one hour of programs daily by Probation staff. reviewing the Unit daily schedules, Programs may include but are not limited to: documentation provided, and interviews with (1) Cognitive Behavior Interventions; youth and staff. (2) Management of Stress and Trauma; ☒ ☐ ☐ (3) Anger Management; Each youth interviewed stated they always (4) Conflict Resolution; receive a minimum of one hour per day each (5) Juvenile Justice System; of programs, recreation, and exercise. (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 Lexipol Policy 1002.5 Access to Recreation for at least one hour of daily access to unscheduled activities such as leisure reading, letter writing, and We were able to verify youth receive a entertainment. Activities shall be supervised and include ☒ ☐ ☐ minimum of one hour of recreation daily by orientation and may include coaching of youth. reviewing the Unit daily schedules, documentation provided, and interviews with youth and staff. (c) Exercise. All youth shall be provided with the Lexipol Policy 1002.4 Access to Exercise opportunity for at least one hour of large muscle activity each day. We were able to verify youth receive a ☒ ☐ ☐ minimum of one hour of exercise daily by reviewing the Unit daily schedules, documentation provided, and interviews with youth and staff. The administrator/manager may suspend, for a period Lexipol Policy 1002.7 Security and not to exceed 24 hours, access to recreation and Supervision programs. The administrator/manager shall document the reasons why suspension of recreation and programs ☒ ☐ ☐ It should be noted, at no time during this occurs. inspection cycle, the facility Administrator suspended youth access to recreation or programs. 7498 San Diego SYTF Targeted PRO 23-24 Page 11 of 11 A453 JUV Targeted PRO eff. 1/2024