Ventura PROB (2025-2026 inspection cycle)

June 13, 2025 Candice Modica, Interim Chief Probation Officer Ventura County Probation Department Ventura County Government Center, L#3200 800 South Victoria Avenue Ventura, CA 93009 2025-2026 UNANNOUNCED INSPECTION, WELFARE & INSTITUTIONS CODE SECTIONS 209 & 885, VENTURA COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT DETENTION FACILITIES Dear Chief Modica: An Unannounced Inspection of the Ventura County Probation Department was completed for the following facilities between Tuesday, June 10, 2025, and Wednesday, June 11, 2025: FACILITY NAME BSCC # FACILITY TYPE VCPAJF Detention Services 7727 JH VCPAJF Commitment Services 7728 CAMP VCPAJF SYTF at Detention Services 7740 SYTF VCPAJF SYTF at Commitment Services 7741 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 The focus of the Unannounced Inspection was to evaluate compliance with Title 15, Section 1370: Education, and Title 15, Section 1371: Programs. We had previously found the Office of Education encouraged all youth the opportunity for AB 167, Credit Reduction rather than taking an individual approach to the students who would remain in custody for a long period of time. This approach did not consider a Dual Enrollment option for this population and as such only allowed for enrollment in Oxnard College’s online program for an AA degree before the youth would be eligible for a 4-year College or University. Additionally, because graduated students attended the local college via an online platform, there was excessive unstructured free time for this older, graduated population. Youth were bored and frequently were seen watching cartoons/television or on the phone for hours. Although we observed some of this during our visit, we learned the youth were between the Spring and Summer sessions, explaining why there were limited activities Candice Modica Interim Chief Probation Officer Page 2 while on site. We interviewed each graduate willing to talk to us while on-site for a total of 15 youth. Each indicated they were attending Oxnard College online, with only two youth stating they were unaware of the option for Dual Enrollment. They also indicated, while school was in session, they were involved in a myriad of programming options, capturing a significant part of the day when non-graduates were in the classroom. Both education and programming opportunities have much improved over the last year, due in part to a new group of passionate and hard-working Administrative staff that have provided more opportunities for this long-term and older population. The Office of Education has become more present and communicative with facility staff to promote these opportunities as well. Lastly, due to ongoing changes to Program space and Youth Placement within the facility, we reviewed and updated the Living Area Space Evaluation while on-site. We identified no items of noncompliance with Title 15 Minimum Standards. Refer to the attached Title 15 Procedures Checklist for detailed information. * * * 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, Ventura County Juvenile Court* Chair, Juvenile Justice Commission, Ventura County* Chair, Board of Supervisors, Ventura County* County Administrator, Ventura County* Carrie Vredenburgh, Chief Deputy Probation Officer, VCPAJF *Copies of the inspection are available upon request or online at www.bscc.ca.gov. 7727+ Ventura PROB VCPAJF UI LTR 25-26 JUVENILE HALLS, SPECIAL PURPOSE JUVENILE HALLS AND CAMPS Board of State and Community Corrections PROCEDURES CHECKLIST 1,2 BSCC Code: 7727 FACILITY NAME: VCPAJF Detention Services FACILITY TYPE: JH PERSON(S) INTERVIEWED: Carrie Vredenburg, Deputy Chief Probation Officer; John Tormey, Division Manager - Housing; Teresa Jimenez, Division Manager - Housing; Heidiann Cobos, Division Manager - Operations; Chris Martinez, Supervising Deputy Probation Officer Operations (SDPO); Jill Pollonais, DPCO III, Operations; Holly Jacinto, SDPO Programming; Stephanie Rodriquez, Principal Ventura County Office of Education - Court and Community Schools; Teresa Vega, Assistant Principal, VCOE; Nicole Garr, VCOE; Linda Stevens, VCOE; Monica Roman, VCOE; Youth: Leonardo C, age 17; Daniel M, age 19. FIELD REPRESENTATIVE: Elizabeth Gong DATE: June 10-11, 2025 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 1370 EDUCATION PROGRAM 1003 Youth Education Services (a) School Programs 1003.3 3 The County Board of Education shall provide for the ⁋ 1003.4 (b)(1) Education Program administration and operation of juvenile court schools in Coordination conjunction with the Chief Probation Officer, or designee pursuant to applicable State laws. The school and facility The Ventura County Office of Education administrators shall develop and implement written policy operates the Providence School on site at the and procedures to ensure communication and facility. coordination between educators and probation staff. Culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches While on site, we met with the VCOE should be applied when providing instruction. Education Principal, Stephanie Rodriguez, Teresa Vega, staff should collaborate with the facility administrator to the Vice Principal, Nicole Garr, Linda use technology to facilitate learning and ensure safe Stevens, and Monica Roman. We continued technology practices. The facility administrator shall ☒ ☐ ☐ discussions regarding AB 167, the reduced request an annual review of each required element of the credit legislation, which was seemingly being program by the Superintendent of Schools, and a report used for every eligible candidate at the or review checklist on compliance, deficiencies, and facility, regardless of whether it was corrective action needed to achieve compliance with this appropriate for the student. We continued to section. Such a review, when conducted, cannot be question the OE about making independent delegated to the principal or any other staff of any juvenile evaluations to address the need to provide a court school site. The Superintendent of Schools shall diploma to a youth based on their age, credits conduct this review in conjunction with a qualified outside to date, and anticipated length of stay, mostly agency or individual. Upon receipt of the review, the to ensure that just because a youth is eligible facility administrator or designee shall review each item that they independently evaluate the best with the Superintendent of Schools and shall take case scenario for each youth. Our questions whatever corrective action is necessary to address each were to ask what works most with this population and to ensure the process is 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 Juvenile 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 the 2025 Unannounced Inspection of the Ventura County VCPAJF Detention Services. 3 Excerpts from facility policies, procedures, or other reference documents are indicated in italicized text. 7727 Ventura Detention Services JH UI PRO 25-26 Page 1 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 deficiency and to fully protect the educational interests of individualized, ensuring a more robust all youth in the facility. conversation with the parent and youth when the situation involves a long stay in custody. While on site, we requested to interview all 15 graduated youth, two of which were in detention. Seven of the 18 other detention youth in custody are eligible based on age; however, they are not in process for a reduced credit diploma. This is significant because the agency and VCOE post-secondary opportunities for youth are limited in the number of participants in each program. We found all graduated youth are enrolled in some level of online college with Oxnard College and most are participating in a number of age-appropriate programming to enhance their options when they are released or age-out of the facility. Currently, the agency has available post- secondary education services with Oxnard College, including Rising Scholars, Agriculture (expanding soon), Silk Screening, Career Exploration, AutoTech, Positive Prevention and Paxton Patterson, which is facilitated by Probation staff. VCOE continues to not allow graduated youth to remain in the classroom but is starting to provide more students with a Duel Enrollment opportunity, which would keep youth in the classroom while attending college, especially for long-term youth. (b) Required Elements The facility school program shall comply with the State 1003.2 Education Code and County Board of Education policies, 1003.3 all applicable federal education statutes and regulations 1003.4 (b)(1) and provide for an annual evaluation of the educational 1003.5 program offerings. As stated in the 2009 California Standards for the Teaching Profession, teachers shall ☒ ☐ ☐ establish and maintain learning environments that are physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe. Youth shall be provided a rigorous, quality educational program that responds to the different learning styles and abilities of students and prepares them for high school graduation, career entry, and post-secondary education. All youth shall be treated equally, and the education program shall be free from discriminatory action. Staff 1003.3 (a) shall refer to transgender, intersex and gender- ☒ ☐ ☐ nonconforming youth by their preferred name and gender. (1) The course of study shall comply with the State Education Code and include, but not be limited to, 1003.5 3 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ courses required for high school graduation. 7727 Ventura Detention Services JH UI PRO 25-26 Page 2 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 (2) Information and preparation for the High School Equivalency Test as approved by the California 1003.5 3 ⁋ Department of Education shall be made available to ☒ ☐ ☐ eligible youth. (3) Youth shall be informed of post-secondary education and vocational opportunities. 1003.4 (o)(1) ☒ ☐ ☐ (4) Administration of the High School Equivalency Tests as approved by the California Department of 1003.5 3 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ Education, shall be made available when possible. (5) Supplemental instruction shall be afforded to youth who do not demonstrate sufficient progress towards 1003.5 4 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ grade level standards. (6) The minimum school day shall be consistent with State Education Code Requirements for juvenile court 1003.5 2 ⁋ schools. The facility administrator, in conjunction with education staff, must ensure that operational procedures do not interfere with the time afforded for ☒ ☐ ☐ the minimum instructional day. Absences, time out of class or educational instruction, both excused and unexcused, shall be documented. (7) Education shall be provided to all youth regardless of classification, housing, security status, disciplinary 1003.4 (a) or separation status, including room confinement, 1003.4 (g)(1) except when providing education poses an immediate 1003.8 threat to the safety of self or others. Education ☒ ☐ ☐ includes, but is not limited to, related services as provided in a youth’s Section 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP). (c) School Discipline (1) Positive behavior management will be 1003.7 1 ⁋ implemented to reduce the need for disciplinary action in the school setting and be integrated into the facility's ☒ ☐ ☐ overall behavioral management plan and security system. (2) School staff shall be advised of administrative decisions made by probation staff that may affect the 1003.7 2 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ educational programming of students. (3) Except as otherwise provided by the State Education Code, expulsion/suspension from school 1003.7 3 ⁋ shall be imposed only when other means of correction fails to bring about proper conduct. School staff shall follow the appropriate due process safeguards as set forth in the State Education Code including the rights ☒ ☐ ☐ of students with special needs. School staff shall document the other means of correction used prior to imposing expulsion/ suspension if an expulsion/suspension is ultimately imposed. (4) The facility administrator, in conjunction with education staff will develop policies and procedures 1003.4 (g) that address the rights of any student who has ☒ ☐ ☐ continuing difficulty completing a school day. 7727 Ventura Detention Services JH UI PRO 25-26 Page 3 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 (d) Provisions for Special Populations (1) State and federal laws and regulations shall be 1003.3 2 ⁋ observed for all individuals with disabilities or 1003.4 (a) suspected disabilities. This includes but is not limited to child find, assessment, continuum of alternative ☒ ☐ ☐ placements, manifestation determination reviews, and implementation of Section 504 Plans and Individualized Education Programs. (2) Youth identified as English Learners (EL) shall be afforded an educational program that addresses their 1003.4 (m) language needs pursuant to all applicable state and ☒ ☐ ☐ federal laws and regulations governing programs for EL students. (e) Educational Screening and Admission (1) Youth shall be interviewed after admittance and a 1003.4 (c)(1) record maintained that documents a youth's 1003.4 (h) ☒ ☐ ☐ educational history, including but not limited to: 1003.4.1 (A) School progress/school history; 1003.4.1 ☒ ☐ ☐ (B) Home Language Survey and the results of the State Test used for English language proficiency; 509.9.2 ☒ ☐ ☐ (C) Needs and services of special populations as defined by the State Education Code, including but 701.4 (f) not limited to, students with special needs. ☒ ☐ ☐ 1003.4 (e) (D) Discipline problems. 1003.7 ☒ ☐ ☐ (2) Youth will be immediately enrolled in school. Educational staff shall conduct an assessment to 1003.4 (c) determine the youth's general academic functioning ☒ ☐ ☐ 1003.4.1 1 ⁋ levels to enable placement in core curriculum courses. (3) After admission to the facility, a preliminary education plan shall be developed for each youth 1003.4.1 1 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ within five school days. (4) Upon enrollment, education staff shall comply with the State Education Code and request the youth's 1003.4.1 records from his/her prior school(s), including, but not limited to, transcripts, Individual Education Program (IEP), 504 Plan, state language assessment scores, immunization records, exit grades, and partial credits. ☒ ☐ ☐ Upon receipt of the transcripts, the youth's educational plan shall be reviewed with the youth and modified as needed. Youth should be informed of the credits they need to graduate. (f) Educational Reporting (1) The complete facility educational record of the 1003.4 (i) youth shall be forwarded to the next educational ☒ ☐ ☐ placement in accordance with the State Education Code. 7727 Ventura Detention Services JH UI PRO 25-26 Page 4 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 (2) The County Superintendent of Schools shall provide appropriate credit (full or partial) for course 1003.4 (i) work completed while in juvenile court school in ☒ ☐ ☐ accordance with the State Education Code. (g) Transition and Re-Entry Planning (1) The Superintendent of Schools and the Chief 1003.4 (n) Probation Officer or designee, shall develop policies and procedures to meet the transition needs of youth, including the development of an education transition ☒ ☐ ☐ plan, in accordance with the State Education Code and in alignment with Title 15, Minimum Standards for Juvenile Facilities, Section 1355. (h) Post-Secondary Education Opportunities (1) The school and facility administrator should, 1003.6 whenever possible, collaborate with local post- secondary education providers to facilitate access to We noted the VCPAJF Administration has educational and vocational opportunities for youth that enrolled each eligible youth in a Summer considers the use of technology to implement these class, some PE for their AA credit programs. requirement, to ensure continued education. Eligible youth are taking 1-3 classes a ☒ ☐ ☐ semester and are provided tutors, which the agency brought on board for assistance with college classwork. There are six volunteers for this population as well as a Rising Scholars representative who comes on site one day each week. 1371 PROGRAMS, RECREATION, AND EXERCISE. 1002 Programs, Recreation and Exercise The facility administrator shall develop and implement 1002.2 written policies and procedures for programs, recreation, ☒ ☐ ☐ and exercise for all youth. The intent is to minimize the amount of time youth are in their rooms or their bed area. Juvenile facilities shall provide the opportunity for programs, recreation, and exercise a minimum of three 1002.3 1 ⁋ hours a day during the week and five hours a day each Saturday, Sunday or other non-school days, of which The agency has developed a process to audit one hour shall be an outdoor activity, weather permitting. the number of minutes per day for Programs, LME, and Recreation. Our findings of the facility-wide May audit revealed that some youth (8) received less than 60 minutes of ☒ ☐ ☐ programming due to a unit emergency and/or declining to participate. Four youth were on Medical Separation and two youth were on room confinement. We provided technical assistance to offer “make-up” time to youth as available. A youth’s participation in programs, recreation, and exercise may be suspended only upon a written finding 1002.3 2 ⁋ by the administrator/manager or designee that a youth ☒ ☐ ☐ 1002.7 ⁋ 4 represents a threat to the safety and security of the facility. Such program, recreation, and exercise schedule shall be posted in the living units. 1002.3 3 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ 7727 Ventura Detention Services JH UI PRO 25-26 Page 5 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 There will be a written annual review of the programs, recreation, and exercise by the responsible agency to 1000.3 (l) ensure content offered is current, consistent, and relevant to the population. A review of Programming at the Juvenile Facility was completed on April 3, 2025, by Chief Deputy Carrie Vredenburg. The review ☒ ☐ ☐ acknowledged program needs for male and female youth, noting they would be age- appropriate and targeted based on identified needs in the Case Plan. (a) Programs. All youth shall be provided with the opportunity for at least one hour of daily programming to 1000.2 include, but not be limited to, trauma focused, cognitive, 1000.3 evidence-based, best practice interventions that are 1002.6 culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate, or pro- social interventions and activities designed to reduce Programming includes responses to Victim recidivism. These programs should be based on the Awareness, substance abuse, conflict youth’s individual needs as required by Sections 1355 resolution, anger management, parenting and 1356. Such programs may be provided under the skills, gender specific programming, mental direction of the Chief Probation Officer or the County health services, positive youth development, Office of Education and can be administered by county building effective decision-making skills, and partners such as mental health agencies, community- other topics that suit the needs of the youth based organizations, faith-based organizations or population. Probation staff. Programs may include but are not limited to: Available programs include: Healthy (1) Cognitive Behavior Interventions; Lifestyles - Women of Substance Men of (2) Management of Stress and Trauma; Honor (WOSMOH); Reins of HOPE (equine (3) Anger Management; therapy; Interactive Journaling; Ventura (4) Conflict Resolution; County Arts Council (art, guitar, poetry, (5) Juvenile Justice System; drumming and mural painting); Therapy (6) Trauma-related interventions; Dogs; Dating Matters; First 5 Parenting (7) Victim Awareness; Program; Brent’s Club; Smart Girls; Boys and (8) Self-Improvement; Girls Club Program; Driving Simulator; (9) Parenting Skills and support; Podcasting; ADPS Tablets; STEPS-Y; Word (10) Tolerance and Diversity; on the Street; City Impact; Forever Found ☒ ☐ ☐ (11) Healing Informed Approaches; (CSEC youth); Passport to Manhood; ARISE; (12) Interventions by Credible Messengers; Lived Experience Youth Mentoring; MANDO; (13) Gender Specific Programming; Prison Education Project (PEP); Youth (14) Art, creative writing, or self-expression; Advisory Council; Religious Mentoring and (15) CPR and First Aid training; Counseling; Philosophy Group; Operation (16) Restorative Justice or Civic Engagement; Peace Works; Gender Specific Services, and (17) Career and leadership opportunities; and, Music N Society. (18) Other topics suitable to the youth population. Ventura County Behavior Health provides the following: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); Drug and Alcohol Programs (individual and group); Moral Recognition Therapy (MRT); Seeking Safety; Anger Management and Conflict Resolution; Individual, Family and Group Therapy; Co- Parent Counseling; and Sex Offender Treatment. Educational Programs include: Paxton Patterson (Construction trades program); Providence Scholars Program (online college); College Success; Literacy Tutors; Money Matters; and AutoTech. 7727 Ventura Detention Services JH UI PRO 25-26 Page 6 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 Re-Entry Services include: First Aide/CPR; Alpha Leadership; Forever Found Case Management; Second Chance Re-entry Services; Reducing Risks for Girls; Harm to Healing Restorative Justice; and Court Appointed Special Advocates. The agency is developing a Dog Program and increasing their Ag Program via a contracted provider to supervise youth in the circle of growing, harvesting, and consuming produce in the area adjacent to the rear of the facility plant. Our conversations with the youth in detention revealed they have access to all services, gaged and referred based on their anticipated length of stay. Commitment and SYTF youth are eligible for all programming while on site. (b) Recreation. All youth shall be provided the opportunity for at least one hour of daily access to unscheduled 1002.5 activities such as leisure reading, letter writing, and entertainment. Activities shall be supervised and include Recreation Programs include Library Carts; orientation and may include coaching of youth. Organized Games; Special Events; and the Boys and Girls Club Rec Center. We noted the agency has created and began to make modifications to a Unit in Ana Capa for a Library. The flooring and painting have ☒ ☐ ☐ been completed and the project goes to the Board of Supervisors in July. There will be a full-time librarian and aide to work with youth from all units to have access and an understanding of reading all types of books for education and pleasure. It is hoped that authors, speakers, and other presentations will take place in this space as well. (c) Exercise. All youth shall be provided with the opportunity for at least one hour of large muscle activity 1002.4 each day. Exercise other than that facilitated by staff ☒ ☐ ☐ include Futbal, Basketball, Boys and Girls Club Gym, and Special Events. The administrator/manager may suspend, for a period not to exceed 24 hours, access to recreation and programs. 1002.7 3 ⁋ The administrator/manager shall document the reasons ☒ ☐ ☐ why suspension of recreation and programs occurs. 7727 Ventura Detention Services JH UI PRO 25-26 Page 7 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 JUVENILE HALLS, SPECIAL PURPOSE JUVENILE HALLS AND CAMPS Board of State and Community Corrections PROCEDURES CHECKLIST 1,2 BSCC Code: 7728 FACILITY NAME: VCPAJF Commitment Services FACILITY TYPE: Camp PERSON(S) INTERVIEWED: Carrie Vredenburg, Deputy Chief Probation Officer; John Tormey, Division Manager - Housing; Teresa Jimenez, Division Manager - Housing; Heidiann Cobos, Division Manager - Operations; Chris Martinez, Supervising Deputy Probation Officer Operations (SDPO); Jill Pollonais, DPCO III, Operations; Holly Jacinto, SDPO Programming; Stephanie Rodriquez, Principal Ventura County Office of Education - Court and Community Schools; Teresa Vega, Assistant Principal, VCOE; Nicole Garr, VCOE; Linda Stevens, VCOE; Monica Roman, VCOE; Youth: Landon G, age 19; Juan M, age 18; Andrew M, age 18. FIELD REPRESENTATIVE: Elizabeth Gong DATE: June 10-11, 2025 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 1370 EDUCATION PROGRAM 1003 Youth Education Services (a) School Programs 1003.3 3 The County Board of Education shall provide for the ⁋ 1003.4 (b)(1) Education Program administration and operation of juvenile court schools in Coordination conjunction with the Chief Probation Officer, or designee pursuant to applicable State laws. The school and facility The Ventura County Office of Education administrators shall develop and implement written policy operates the Providence School on site at the and procedures to ensure communication and facility. coordination between educators and probation staff. Culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches While on site, we met with the VCOE should be applied when providing instruction. Education Principal, Stephanie Rodriguez, Teresa Vega, staff should collaborate with the facility administrator to the Vice Principal, Nicole Garr, Linda use technology to facilitate learning and ensure safe Stevens, and Monica Roman. We continued technology practices. The facility administrator shall ☒ ☐ ☐ discussions regarding AB 167, the reduced request an annual review of each required element of the credit legislation, which was seemingly being program by the Superintendent of Schools, and a report used for every eligible candidate at the or review checklist on compliance, deficiencies, and facility, regardless of whether it was corrective action needed to achieve compliance with this appropriate for the student. We continued to section. Such a review, when conducted, cannot be question the OE about making independent delegated to the principal or any other staff of any juvenile evaluations to address the need to provide a court school site. The Superintendent of Schools shall diploma to a youth based on their age, credits conduct this review in conjunction with a qualified outside to date, and anticipated length of stay, mostly agency or individual. Upon receipt of the review, the to ensure that just because a youth is eligible facility administrator or designee shall review each item that they independently evaluate the best with the Superintendent of Schools and shall take case scenario for each youth. Our questions whatever corrective action is necessary to address each were to ask what works most with this population and to ensure the process is 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 Juvenile 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 the 2025 Unannounced Inspection of the Ventura County VCPAJF Commitment Services. 3 Excerpts from facility policies, procedures, or other reference documents are indicated in italicized text. 7728 Ventura VCPAJF Commitment Services Camp UI PRO 25-26 Page 1 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 deficiency and to fully protect the educational interests of individualized, ensuring a more robust all youth in the facility. conversation with the parent and youth when the situation involves a long stay in custody. While on site, we requested to interview all 15 graduated youth, three of which were in commitment. Twelve of the other twenty-one commitment youth in custody are eligible based on age, however, they are not in process for a reduced credit diploma. This is significant because the agency and VCOE post-secondary opportunities for youth are limited in the number of participants in each program. We found all graduated youth are enrolled in some level of online college with Oxnard College and most are participating in a number of age-appropriate programming to enhance their options when they are released or age-out of the facility. Currently, the agency has available post- secondary education services with Oxnard College, including Rising Scholars, Agriculture (expanding soon), Silk Screening, Career Exploration, AutoTech, Positive Prevention, and Paxton Patterson, which is facilitated by Probation staff. VCOE continues to not allow graduated youth to remain in the classroom but is starting to provide more students with a Duel Enrollment opportunity, which would keep youth in the classroom while attending college, especially for long-term youth. (b) Required Elements The facility school program shall comply with the State 1003.2 Education Code and County Board of Education policies, 1003.3 all applicable federal education statutes and regulations 1003.4 (b)(1) and provide for an annual evaluation of the educational 1003.5 program offerings. As stated in the 2009 California Standards for the Teaching Profession, teachers shall ☒ ☐ ☐ establish and maintain learning environments that are physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe. Youth shall be provided a rigorous, quality educational program that responds to the different learning styles and abilities of students and prepares them for high school graduation, career entry, and post-secondary education. All youth shall be treated equally, and the education program shall be free from discriminatory action. Staff 1003.3 (a) shall refer to transgender, intersex and gender- ☒ ☐ ☐ nonconforming youth by their preferred name and gender. (1) The course of study shall comply with the State Education Code and include, but not be limited to, 1003.5 3 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ courses required for high school graduation. 7728 Ventura VCPAJF Commitment Services Camp UI PRO 25-26 Page 2 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 (2) Information and preparation for the High School Equivalency Test as approved by the California 1003.5 3 ⁋ Department of Education shall be made available to ☒ ☐ ☐ eligible youth. (3) Youth shall be informed of post-secondary education and vocational opportunities. 1003.4 (o)(1) ☒ ☐ ☐ (4) Administration of the High School Equivalency Tests as approved by the California Department of 1003.5 3 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ Education, shall be made available when possible. (5) Supplemental instruction shall be afforded to youth who do not demonstrate sufficient progress towards 1003.5 4 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ grade level standards. (6) The minimum school day shall be consistent with State Education Code Requirements for juvenile court 1003.5 2 ⁋ schools. The facility administrator, in conjunction with education staff, must ensure that operational procedures do not interfere with the time afforded for ☒ ☐ ☐ the minimum instructional day. Absences, time out of class or educational instruction, both excused and unexcused, shall be documented. (7) Education shall be provided to all youth regardless of classification, housing, security status, disciplinary 1003.4 (a) or separation status, including room confinement, 1003.4 (g)(1) except when providing education poses an immediate 1003.8 threat to the safety of self or others. Education ☒ ☐ ☐ includes, but is not limited to, related services as provided in a youth’s Section 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP). (c) School Discipline (1) Positive behavior management will be 1003.7 1 ⁋ implemented to reduce the need for disciplinary action in the school setting and be integrated into the facility's ☒ ☐ ☐ overall behavioral management plan and security system. (2) School staff shall be advised of administrative decisions made by probation staff that may affect the 1003.7 2 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ educational programming of students. (3) Except as otherwise provided by the State Education Code, expulsion/suspension from school 1003.7 3 ⁋ shall be imposed only when other means of correction fails to bring about proper conduct. School staff shall follow the appropriate due process safeguards as set forth in the State Education Code including the rights ☒ ☐ ☐ of students with special needs. School staff shall document the other means of correction used prior to imposing expulsion/ suspension if an expulsion/suspension is ultimately imposed. (4) The facility administrator, in conjunction with education staff will develop policies and procedures 1003.4 (g) that address the rights of any student who has ☒ ☐ ☐ continuing difficulty completing a school day. 7728 Ventura VCPAJF Commitment Services Camp UI PRO 25-26 Page 3 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 (d) Provisions for Special Populations (1) State and federal laws and regulations shall be 1003.3 2 ⁋ observed for all individuals with disabilities or 1003.4 (a) suspected disabilities. This includes but is not limited to child find, assessment, continuum of alternative ☒ ☐ ☐ placements, manifestation determination reviews, and implementation of Section 504 Plans and Individualized Education Programs. (2) Youth identified as English Learners (EL) shall be afforded an educational program that addresses their 1003.4 (m) language needs pursuant to all applicable state and ☒ ☐ ☐ federal laws and regulations governing programs for EL students. (e) Educational Screening and Admission (1) Youth shall be interviewed after admittance and a 1003.4 (c)(1) record maintained that documents a youth's 1003.4 (h) ☒ ☐ ☐ educational history, including but not limited to: 1003.4.1 (A) School progress/school history; 1003.4.1 ☒ ☐ ☐ (B) Home Language Survey and the results of the State Test used for English language proficiency; 509.9.2 ☒ ☐ ☐ (C) Needs and services of special populations as defined by the State Education Code, including but 701.4 (f) not limited to, students with special needs. ☒ ☐ ☐ 1003.4 (e) (D) Discipline problems. 1003.7 ☒ ☐ ☐ (2) Youth will be immediately enrolled in school. Educational staff shall conduct an assessment to 1003.4 (c) determine the youth's general academic functioning ☒ ☐ ☐ 1003.4.1 1 ⁋ levels to enable placement in core curriculum courses. (3) After admission to the facility, a preliminary education plan shall be developed for each youth 1003.4.1 1 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ within five school days. (4) Upon enrollment, education staff shall comply with the State Education Code and request the youth's 1003.4.1 records from his/her prior school(s), including, but not limited to, transcripts, Individual Education Program (IEP), 504 Plan, state language assessment scores, immunization records, exit grades, and partial credits. ☒ ☐ ☐ Upon receipt of the transcripts, the youth's educational plan shall be reviewed with the youth and modified as needed. Youth should be informed of the credits they need to graduate. (f) Educational Reporting (1) The complete facility educational record of the 1003.4 (i) youth shall be forwarded to the next educational ☒ ☐ ☐ placement in accordance with the State Education Code. 7728 Ventura VCPAJF Commitment Services Camp UI PRO 25-26 Page 4 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 (2) The County Superintendent of Schools shall provide appropriate credit (full or partial) for course 1003.4 (i) work completed while in juvenile court school in ☒ ☐ ☐ accordance with the State Education Code. (g) Transition and Re-Entry Planning (1) The Superintendent of Schools and the Chief 1003.4 (n) Probation Officer or designee, shall develop policies and procedures to meet the transition needs of youth, including the development of an education transition ☒ ☐ ☐ plan, in accordance with the State Education Code and in alignment with Title 15, Minimum Standards for Juvenile Facilities, Section 1355. (h) Post-Secondary Education Opportunities (1) The school and facility administrator should, 1003.6 whenever possible, collaborate with local post- secondary education providers to facilitate access to We noted the VCPAJF Administration has educational and vocational opportunities for youth that enrolled each eligible youth in a Summer considers the use of technology to implement these class, some PE for their AA credit programs. requirement, to ensure continued education. Eligible youth are taking 1-3 classes a ☒ ☐ ☐ semester and are provided tutors, which the agency brought on board for assistance with college classwork. There are six volunteers working with this population as well as a Rising Scholars representative who comes on site one day each week. 1371 PROGRAMS, RECREATION, AND EXERCISE. 1002 Programs, Recreation and Exercise The facility administrator shall develop and implement 1002.2 written policies and procedures for programs, recreation, ☒ ☐ ☐ and exercise for all youth. The intent is to minimize the amount of time youth are in their rooms or their bed area. Juvenile facilities shall provide the opportunity for programs, recreation, and exercise a minimum of three 1002.3 1 ⁋ hours a day during the week and five hours a day each Saturday, Sunday or other non-school days, of which The agency has developed a process to audit one hour shall be an outdoor activity, weather permitting. the number of minutes per day for Programs, LME, and Recreation. Our findings of the facility-wide May audit revealed some youth (8) received less than 60 minutes of ☒ ☐ ☐ programming due to a unit emergency and/or declining to participate. Four youth were on Medical Separation and two youth were on room confinement. We provided technical assistance to offer “make-up” time to youth as available. A youth’s participation in programs, recreation, and exercise may be suspended only upon a written finding 1002.3 2 ⁋ by the administrator/manager or designee that a youth ☒ ☐ ☐ 1002.7 ⁋ 4 represents a threat to the safety and security of the facility. Such program, recreation, and exercise schedule shall be posted in the living units. 1002.3 3 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ 7728 Ventura VCPAJF Commitment Services Camp UI PRO 25-26 Page 5 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 There will be a written annual review of the programs, recreation, and exercise by the responsible agency to 1000.3 (l) ensure content offered is current, consistent, and relevant to the population. A review of Programming at the Juvenile Facility was completed on April 3, 2025, by Chief Deputy Carrie Vredenburg. The review ☒ ☐ ☐ acknowledged program needs for male and female youth, noting they would be age- appropriate and targeted based on identified needs in the Case Plan. (a) Programs. All youth shall be provided with the opportunity for at least one hour of daily programming to 1000.2 include, but not be limited to, trauma focused, cognitive, 1000.3 evidence-based, best practice interventions that are 1002.6 culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate, or pro- social interventions and activities designed to reduce Programming includes responses to Victim recidivism. These programs should be based on the Awareness, substance abuse, conflict youth’s individual needs as required by Sections 1355 resolution, anger management, parenting and 1356. Such programs may be provided under the skills, gender specific programming, mental direction of the Chief Probation Officer or the County health services, positive youth development, Office of Education and can be administered by county building effective decision-making skills, and partners such as mental health agencies, community other topics that suit the needs of the youth based organizations, faith-based organizations or population. Probation staff. Programs may include but are not limited to: Available programs include: Healthy (1) Cognitive Behavior Interventions; Lifestyles - Women of Substance Men of (2) Management of Stress and Trauma; Honor (WOSMOH); Reins of HOPE (equine (3) Anger Management; therapy; Interactive Journaling; Ventura (4) Conflict Resolution; County Arts Council (art, guitar, poetry, (5) Juvenile Justice System; drumming and mural painting); Therapy (6) Trauma-related interventions; Dogs; Dating Matters; First 5 Parenting (7) Victim Awareness; Program; Brent’s Club; Smart Girls; Boys and (8) Self-Improvement; Girls Club Program; Driving Simulator; (9) Parenting Skills and support; Podcasting; ADPS Tablets; STEPS-Y; Word (10) Tolerance and Diversity; on the Street; City Impact; Forever Found ☒ ☐ ☐ (11) Healing Informed Approaches; (CSEC youth); Passport to Manhood; ARISE; (12) Interventions by Credible Messengers; Lived Experience Youth Mentoring; MANDO; (13) Gender Specific Programming; Prison Education Project (PEP); Youth (14) Art, creative writing, or self-expression; Advisory Council; Religious Mentoring and (15) CPR and First Aid training; Counseling; Philosophy Group; Operation (16) Restorative Justice or Civic Engagement; Peace Works; Gender Specific Services, and (17) Career and leadership opportunities; and, Music N Society. (18) Other topics suitable to the youth population. Ventura County Behavior Health provides the following: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); Drug and Alcohol Programs (individual and group); Moral Recognition Therapy (MRT); Seeking Safety; Anger Management and Conflict Resolution; Individual, Family and Group Therapy; Co- Parent Counseling; and Sex Offender Treatment. Educational Programs include: Paxton Patterson (Construction trades program); Providence Scholars Program (online college); College Success; Literacy Tutors; Money Matters; and AutoTech. 7728 Ventura VCPAJF Commitment Services Camp UI PRO 25-26 Page 6 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 Re-Entry Services include: First Aide/CPR; Alpha Leadership; Forever Found Case Management; Second Chance Re-entry Services; Reducing Risks for Girls; Harm to Healing Restorative Justice; and Court Appointed Special Advocates. The agency is developing a Dog Program and increasing their Ag Program via a contracted provider to supervise youth in the circle of growing, harvesting, and consuming produce in the area adjacent to the rear of the facility plant. Our conversations with the youth in detention revealed they have access to all services, gaged and referred based on their anticipated length of stay. Commitment and SYTF youth are eligible for all programming while on site. (b) Recreation. All youth shall be provided the opportunity for at least one hour of daily access to unscheduled 1002.5 activities such as leisure reading, letter writing, and entertainment. Activities shall be supervised and include Recreation Programs include Library Carts; orientation and may include coaching of youth. Organized Games; Special Events; and the Boys and Girls Club Rec Center. We noted the agency has created and began to make modifications to a Unit in Ana Capa for a Library. The flooring and painting have ☒ ☐ ☐ been completed and the project goes to the Board of Supervisors in July. There will be a full-time librarian and aide to work with youth from all units to have access and an understanding of reading all types of books for education and pleasure. It is hoped that authors, speakers, and other presentations will take place in this space as well. (c) Exercise. All youth shall be provided with the opportunity for at least one hour of large muscle activity 1002.4 each day. Exercise other than that facilitated by staff ☒ ☐ ☐ include Futsal, Basketball, Boys and Girls Club Gym, and Special Events. The administrator/manager may suspend, for a period not to exceed 24 hours, access to recreation and programs. 1002.7 3 ⁋ The administrator/manager shall document the reasons ☒ ☐ ☐ why suspension of recreation and programs occurs. 7728 Ventura VCPAJF Commitment Services Camp UI PRO 25-26 Page 7 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 JUVENILE HALLS, SPECIAL PURPOSE JUVENILE HALLS AND CAMPS Board of State and Community Corrections PROCEDURES CHECKLIST1,2 BSCC Code: 7740 FACILITY NAME: Ventura Secure Youth Treatment Facility at DS FACILITY TYPE: SYTF PERSON(S) INTERVIEWED: Carrie Vredenburg, Deputy Chief Probation Officer; John Tormey, Division Manager - Housing; Teresa Jimenez, Division Manager - Housing; Heidiann Cobos, Division Manager - Operations; Chris Martinez, Supervising Deputy Probation Officer Operations (SDPO); Jill Pollonais, DPCO III, Operations; Holly Jacinto, SDPO Programming; Stephanie Rodriquez, Principal Ventura County Office of Education - Court and Community Schools; Teresa Vega, Assistant Principal, VCOE; Nicole Garr, VCOE; Linda Stevens, VCOE; Monica Roman, VCOE. There are no youth in the SYTF Detention Services. The agency plans to use this SYTF Program/BSCC # as a Phase 1 of youth just committed by the Court. They are in the process of designing this aspect of the SYTF Population. FIELD REPRESENTATIVE: Elizabeth Gong DATE: June 10-11, 2025 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 1370 EDUCATION PROGRAM 1003 Youth Education Services (a) School Programs 1003.3 3 The County Board of Education shall provide for the ⁋ 1003.4 (b)(1) Education Program administration and operation of juvenile court schools in Coordination conjunction with the Chief Probation Officer, or designee pursuant to applicable State laws. The school and facility The Ventura County Office of Education administrators shall develop and implement written policy operates the Providence School on site at the and procedures to ensure communication and facility. coordination between educators and probation staff. Culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches While on site, we met with the VCOE should be applied when providing instruction. Education Principal, Stephanie Rodriguez, Teresa Vega, staff should collaborate with the facility administrator to ☒ ☐ ☐ the Vice Principal, Nicole Garr, Linda use technology to facilitate learning and ensure safe Stevens, and Monica Roman. We continued technology practices. The facility administrator shall discussions regarding AB 167, the reduced request an annual review of each required element of the credit legislation, which was seemingly being program by the Superintendent of Schools, and a report used for every eligible candidate at the or review checklist on compliance, deficiencies, and facility, regardless of whether it was corrective action needed to achieve compliance with this appropriate for the student. We continued to section. Such a review, when conducted, cannot be question the OE about making independent delegated to the principal or any other staff of any juvenile evaluations to address the need to provide a court school site. The Superintendent of Schools shall diploma to a youth based on their age, credits conduct this review in conjunction with a qualified outside to date, and anticipated length of stay, mostly agency or individual. Upon receipt of the review, the to ensure that just because a youth is eligible facility administrator or designee shall review each item 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 Juvenile 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 the 2025 Unannounced Inspection of the Ventura County Secure Youth Treatment Facility at DS. 3 Excerpts from facility policies, procedures, or other reference documents are indicated in italicized text. 7740 Ventura SYTF at DS UI PRO 25-26 Page 1 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 with the Superintendent of Schools and shall take that they independently evaluate the best whatever corrective action is necessary to address each case scenario for each youth. Our questions deficiency and to fully protect the educational interests of were to ask what works most with this all youth in the facility. population and to ensure the process is individualized, ensuring a more robust conversation with the parent and youth when the situation involves a long stay in custody. While on site, we requested to interview all 15 graduated youth, 10 of which had been committed to the SYTF Program. For this Procedures checklist, none of the SYTF fall under this BSCC #. We found all graduated youth are enrolled in some level of online college with Oxnard College and most are participating in a number of age-appropriate programming to enhance their options when they are released or age-out of the facility. Currently, the agency has available post- secondary education services with Oxnard College, including Rising Scholars, Agriculture (expanding soon), Silk Screening, Career Exploration, AutoTech, Positive Prevention, and Paxton Patterson, which is facilitated by Probation staff. VCOE continues to not allow graduated youth to remain in the classroom but is starting to provide more students with a Duel Enrollment opportunity, which would keep youth in the classroom while attending college, especially for long-term youth. (b) Required Elements The facility school program shall comply with the State 1003.2 Education Code and County Board of Education policies, 1003.3 all applicable federal education statutes and regulations 1003.4 (b)(1) and provide for an annual evaluation of the educational 1003.5 program offerings. As stated in the 2009 California Standards for the Teaching Profession, teachers shall ☒ ☐ ☐ establish and maintain learning environments that are physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe. Youth shall be provided a rigorous, quality educational program that responds to the different learning styles and abilities of students and prepares them for high school graduation, career entry, and post-secondary education. All youth shall be treated equally, and the education program shall be free from discriminatory action. Staff 1003.3 (a) shall refer to transgender, intersex and gender- ☒ ☐ ☐ nonconforming youth by their preferred name and gender. (1) The course of study shall comply with the State Education Code and include, but not be limited to, 1003.5 3 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ courses required for high school graduation. 7740 Ventura SYTF at DS UI PRO 25-26 Page 2 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 (2) Information and preparation for the High School Equivalency Test as approved by the California 1003.5 3 ⁋ Department of Education shall be made available to ☒ ☐ ☐ eligible youth. (3) Youth shall be informed of post-secondary education and vocational opportunities. 1003.4 (o)(1) ☒ ☐ ☐ (4) Administration of the High School Equivalency Tests as approved by the California Department of 1003.5 3 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ Education, shall be made available when possible. (5) Supplemental instruction shall be afforded to youth who do not demonstrate sufficient progress towards 1003.5 4 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ grade level standards. (6) The minimum school day shall be consistent with State Education Code Requirements for juvenile court 1003.5 2 ⁋ schools. The facility administrator, in conjunction with education staff, must ensure that operational procedures do not interfere with the time afforded for ☒ ☐ ☐ the minimum instructional day. Absences, time out of class or educational instruction, both excused and unexcused, shall be documented. (7) Education shall be provided to all youth regardless of classification, housing, security status, disciplinary 1003.4 (a) or separation status, including room confinement, 1003.4 (g)(1) except when providing education poses an immediate 1003.8 threat to the safety of self or others. Education ☒ ☐ ☐ includes, but is not limited to, related services as provided in a youth’s Section 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP). (c) School Discipline (1) Positive behavior management will be 1003.7 1 ⁋ implemented to reduce the need for disciplinary action in the school setting and be integrated into the facility's ☒ ☐ ☐ overall behavioral management plan and security system. (2) School staff shall be advised of administrative decisions made by probation staff that may affect the 1003.7 2 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ educational programming of students. (3) Except as otherwise provided by the State Education Code, expulsion/suspension from school 1003.7 3 ⁋ shall be imposed only when other means of correction fails to bring about proper conduct. School staff shall follow the appropriate due process safeguards as set forth in the State Education Code including the rights ☒ ☐ ☐ of students with special needs. School staff shall document the other means of correction used prior to imposing expulsion/ suspension if an expulsion/suspension is ultimately imposed. (4) The facility administrator, in conjunction with education staff will develop policies and procedures 1003.4 (g) that address the rights of any student who has ☒ ☐ ☐ continuing difficulty completing a school day. 7740 Ventura SYTF at DS UI PRO 25-26 Page 3 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 (d) Provisions for Special Populations (1) State and federal laws and regulations shall be 1003.3 2 ⁋ observed for all individuals with disabilities or 1003.4 (a) suspected disabilities. This includes but is not limited to child find, assessment, continuum of alternative ☒ ☐ ☐ placements, manifestation determination reviews, and implementation of Section 504 Plans and Individualized Education Programs. (2) Youth identified as English Learners (EL) shall be afforded an educational program that addresses their 1003.4 (m) language needs pursuant to all applicable state and ☒ ☐ ☐ federal laws and regulations governing programs for EL students. (e) Educational Screening and Admission (1) Youth shall be interviewed after admittance and a 1003.4 (c)(1) record maintained that documents a youth's 1003.4 (h) ☒ ☐ ☐ educational history, including but not limited to: 1003.4.1 (A) School progress/school history; 1003.4.1 ☒ ☐ ☐ (B) Home Language Survey and the results of the State Test used for English language proficiency; 509.9.2 ☒ ☐ ☐ (C) Needs and services of special populations as defined by the State Education Code, including but 701.4 (f) not limited to, students with special needs. ☒ ☐ ☐ 1003.4 (e) (D) Discipline problems. 1003.7 ☒ ☐ ☐ (2) Youth will be immediately enrolled in school. Educational staff shall conduct an assessment to 1003.4 (c) determine the youth's general academic functioning ☒ ☐ ☐ 1003.4.1 1 ⁋ levels to enable placement in core curriculum courses. (3) After admission to the facility, a preliminary education plan shall be developed for each youth 1003.4.1 1 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ within five school days. (4) Upon enrollment, education staff shall comply with the State Education Code and request the youth's 1003.4.1 records from his/her prior school(s), including, but not limited to, transcripts, Individual Education Program (IEP), 504 Plan, state language assessment scores, immunization records, exit grades, and partial credits. ☒ ☐ ☐ Upon receipt of the transcripts, the youth's educational plan shall be reviewed with the youth and modified as needed. Youth should be informed of the credits they need to graduate. (f) Educational Reporting (1) The complete facility educational record of the 1003.4 (i) youth shall be forwarded to the next educational ☒ ☐ ☐ placement in accordance with the State Education Code. 7740 Ventura SYTF at DS UI PRO 25-26 Page 4 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 (2) The County Superintendent of Schools shall provide appropriate credit (full or partial) for course 1003.4 (i) work completed while in juvenile court school in ☒ ☐ ☐ accordance with the State Education Code. (g) Transition and Re-Entry Planning (1) The Superintendent of Schools and the Chief 1003.4 (n) Probation Officer or designee, shall develop policies and procedures to meet the transition needs of youth, including the development of an education transition ☒ ☐ ☐ plan, in accordance with the State Education Code and in alignment with Title 15, Minimum Standards for Juvenile Facilities, Section 1355. (h) Post-Secondary Education Opportunities (1) The school and facility administrator should, 1003.6 whenever possible, collaborate with local post- secondary education providers to facilitate access to We noted the VCPAJF Administration has educational and vocational opportunities for youth that enrolled each eligible youth in a Summer considers the use of technology to implement these class, some PE for their AA credit programs. requirement, to ensure continued education. Eligible youth are taking 1-3 classes a ☒ ☐ ☐ semester and are provided tutors, which the agency brought on board for assistance with college classwork. There are six volunteers at this time, as well as a Rising Scholars representative who comes on site one day each week. 1371 PROGRAMS, RECREATION, AND EXERCISE. 1002 Programs, Recreation and Exercise The facility administrator shall develop and implement 1002.2 written policies and procedures for programs, recreation, ☒ ☐ ☐ and exercise for all youth. The intent is to minimize the amount of time youth are in their rooms or their bed area. Juvenile facilities shall provide the opportunity for programs, recreation, and exercise a minimum of three 1002.3 1 ⁋ 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 1002.3 2 ⁋ by the administrator/manager or designee that a youth ☒ ☐ ☐ 1002.7 ⁋ 4 represents a threat to the safety and security of the facility. Such program, recreation, and exercise schedule shall ] be posted in the living units. 1002.3 3 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ There will be a written annual review of the programs, recreation, and exercise by the responsible agency to 1000.3 (l) ensure content offered is current, consistent, and relevant to the population. A review of Programming at the Juvenile Facility was completed on April 3, 2025, by Chief Deputy Carrie Vredenburg. The review ☒ ☐ ☐ acknowledged program needs for male and female youth, noting they would be age- appropriate and targeted based on identified needs in the Case Plan. 7740 Ventura SYTF at DS UI PRO 25-26 Page 5 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 (a) Programs. All youth shall be provided with the opportunity for at least one hour of daily programming to 1000.2 include, but not be limited to, trauma focused, cognitive, 1000.3 evidence-based, best practice interventions that are 1002.6 culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate, or pro- social interventions and activities designed to reduce Programming includes responses to Victim recidivism. These programs should be based on the Awareness, substance abuse, conflict youth’s individual needs as required by Sections 1355 resolution, anger management, parenting and 1356. Such programs may be provided under the skills, gender specific programming, mental direction of the Chief Probation Officer or the County health services, positive youth development, Office of Education and can be administered by county building effective decision-making skills, and partners such as mental health agencies, community other topics that suit the needs of the youth based organizations, faith-based organizations or population. Probation staff. Programs may include but are not limited to: Available programs include: Healthy (1) Cognitive Behavior Interventions; Lifestyles - Women of Substance Men of (2) Management of Stress and Trauma; Honor (WOSMOH); Reins of HOPE (equine (3) Anger Management; therapy; Interactive Journaling; Ventura (4) Conflict Resolution; County Arts Council (art, guitar, poetry, (5) Juvenile Justice System; drumming and mural painting); Therapy (6) Trauma-related interventions; Dogs; Dating Matters; First 5 Parenting (7) Victim Awareness; Program; Brent’s Club; Smart Girls; Boys and (8) Self-Improvement; Girls Club Program; Driving Simulator; (9) Parenting Skills and support; Podcasting; ADPS Tablets; STEPS-Y; Word (10) Tolerance and Diversity; on the Street; City Impact; Forever Found (11) Healing Informed Approaches; (CSEC youth); Passport to Manhood; ARISE; (12) Interventions by Credible Messengers; Lived Experience Youth Mentoring; MANDO; (13) Gender Specific Programming; Prison Education Project (PEP); Youth (14) Art, creative writing, or self-expression; Advisory Council; Religious Mentoring and (15) CPR and First Aid training; Counseling; Philosophy Group; Operation (16) Restorative Justice or Civic Engagement; ☒ ☐ ☐ Peace Works; Gender Specific Services; and (17) Career and leadership opportunities; and, Music N Society. (18) Other topics suitable to the youth population. Ventura County Behavior Health provides the following: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); Drug and Alcohol Programs (individual and group); Moral Recognition Therapy (MRT); Seeking Safety; Anger Management and Conflict Resolution; Individual, Family and Group Therapy; Co- Parent Counseling; and Sex Offender Treatment. Educational Programs include: Paxton Patterson (Construction trades program); Providence Scholars Program (online college); College Success; Literacy Tutors; Money Matters; and AutoTech. Re-Entry Services include: First Aide/CPR; Alpha Leadership; Forever Found Case Management; Second Chance Re-entry Services; Reducing Risks for Girls; Harm to Healing Restorative Justice; and Court Appointed Special Advocates. The agency is developing a Dog Program and increasing their Ag Program via a contracted provider to supervise youth in the circle of growing, harvesting, and consuming 7740 Ventura SYTF at DS UI PRO 25-26 Page 6 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 produce in the area adjacent to the rear of the facility plant. Our conversations with the youth in detention revealed they have access to all services, gaged and referred based on their anticipated length of stay. Commitment and SYTF youth are eligible for all programming while on site. (b) Recreation. All youth shall be provided the opportunity for at least one hour of daily access to unscheduled 1002.5 activities such as leisure reading, letter writing, and entertainment. Activities shall be supervised and include Recreation Programs include Library Carts; orientation and may include coaching of youth. Organized Games; Special Events; and the Boys and Girls Club Rec Center. We noted the agency has created and began to make modifications to a Unit in Ana Capa for a Library. The flooring and painting have ☒ ☐ ☐ been completed and the project goes to the Board of Supervisors in July. There will be a full-time librarian and aide to work with youth from all units to have access and an understanding of reading all types of books for education and pleasure. It is hoped that authors, speakers, and other presentations will take place in this space as well. (c) Exercise. All youth shall be provided with the opportunity for at least one hour of large muscle activity 1002.4 each day. Exercise other than that facilitated by staff ☒ ☐ ☐ include Futsal, Basketball, Boys and Girls Club Gym, and Special Events. The administrator/manager may suspend, for a period not to exceed 24 hours, access to recreation and programs. 1002.7 3 ⁋ The administrator/manager shall document the reasons ☒ ☐ ☐ why suspension of recreation and programs occurs. 7740 Ventura SYTF at DS UI PRO 25-26 Page 7 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 JUVENILE HALLS, SPECIAL PURPOSE JUVENILE HALLS AND CAMPS Board of State and Community Corrections PROCEDURES CHECKLIST1,2 BSCC Code: 7741 FACILITY NAME: Ventura Secure Youth Treatment Facility at CS FACILITY TYPE: SYTF PERSON(S) INTERVIEWED: Carrie Vredenburg, Deputy Chief Probation Officer; John Tormey, Division Manager - Housing; Teresa Jimenez, Division Manager - Housing; Hiediann Cobos, Division Manager - Operations; Chris Martinez, Supervising Deputy Probation Officer Operations (SDPO); Jill Pollonais, DPCO III, Operations; --, Ventura County Office of Education; Holly Jacinto, DPO Programming; Youth: Diego B, age 20; Raul C, age 17; Hayden C, age 19; Adan D, age 17; Michael G, age 18; Jesus T, age 24, Anthony S, age 23. FIELD REPRESENTATIVE: Elizabeth Gong DATE: June 10-11, 2025 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 1370 EDUCATION PROGRAM 1003 Youth Education Services (a) School Programs 1003.3 3 The County Board of Education shall provide for the ⁋ 1003.4 (b)(1) Education Program administration and operation of juvenile court schools in Coordination conjunction with the Chief Probation Officer, or designee pursuant to applicable State laws. The school and facility The Ventura County Office of Education administrators shall develop and implement written policy operates the Providence School on site at the and procedures to ensure communication and facility. coordination between educators and probation staff. Culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches While on site, we met with the VCOE should be applied when providing instruction. Education Principal, Stephanie Rodriguez, Teresa Vega, staff should collaborate with the facility administrator to the Vice Principal, Nicole Garr, Linda use technology to facilitate learning and ensure safe Stevens, and Monica Roman. We continued technology practices. The facility administrator shall ☒ ☐ ☐ discussions regarding AB 167, the reduced request an annual review of each required element of the credit legislation, which was seemingly being program by the Superintendent of Schools, and a report used for every eligible candidate at the or review checklist on compliance, deficiencies, and facility, regardless of whether it was corrective action needed to achieve compliance with this appropriate for the student. We continued to section. Such a review, when conducted, cannot be question the OE about making independent delegated to the principal or any other staff of any juvenile evaluations to address the need to provide a court school site. The Superintendent of Schools shall diploma to a youth based on their age, credits conduct this review in conjunction with a qualified outside to date, and anticipated length of stay, mostly agency or individual. Upon receipt of the review, the to ensure that just because a youth is eligible facility administrator or designee shall review each item that they independently evaluate the best with the Superintendent of Schools and shall take case scenario for each youth. Our questions whatever corrective action is necessary to address each were to ask what works most with this population and to ensure the process is 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 Juvenile 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 the 2025 Unannounced Inspection of the Ventura County Secure Youth Treatment Facility at CS. 3 Excerpts from facility policies, procedures, or other reference documents are indicated in italicized text. 7741 Ventura SYTF at CS UI PRO 25-26 Page 1 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 deficiency and to fully protect the educational interests of individualized, ensuring a more robust all youth in the facility. conversation with the parent and youth when the situation involves a long stay in custody. While on site, we requested to interview all 15 graduated youth, ten of which have been committed to SYTF (two of these youth declined to speak with BSCC). Two of the other four SYTF youth in custody are eligible based on age, however, they are not in process for a reduced credit diploma. This is significant because the agency and VCOE post-secondary opportunities for youth are limited in the number of participants in each program. We found all graduated youth are enrolled in some level of online college with Oxnard College and most are participating in a number of age-appropriate programming to enhance their options when they are released or age-out of the facility. Currently, the agency has available post- secondary education services with Oxnard College, including Rising Scholars, Agriculture (expanding soon), Silk Screening, Career Exploration, AutoTech, Positive Prevention, and Paxton Patterson, which is facilitated by Probation staff. VCOE continues to not allow graduated youth to remain in the classroom but is starting to provide more students with a Dual Enrollment opportunity, which would keep youth in the classroom while attending college, especially for long-term youth. (b) Required Elements The facility school program shall comply with the State 1003.2 Education Code and County Board of Education policies, 1003.3 all applicable federal education statutes and regulations 1003.4 (b)(1) and provide for an annual evaluation of the educational 1003.5 program offerings. As stated in the 2009 California Standards for the Teaching Profession, teachers shall ☒ ☐ ☐ establish and maintain learning environments that are physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe. Youth shall be provided a rigorous, quality educational program that responds to the different learning styles and abilities of students and prepares them for high school graduation, career entry, and post-secondary education. All youth shall be treated equally, and the education program shall be free from discriminatory action. Staff 1003.3 (a) shall refer to transgender, intersex and gender- ☒ ☐ ☐ nonconforming youth by their preferred name and gender. (1) The course of study shall comply with the State Education Code and include, but not be limited to, 1003.5 3 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ courses required for high school graduation. 7741 Ventura SYTF at CS UI PRO 25-26 Page 2 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 (2) Information and preparation for the High School Equivalency Test as approved by the California 1003.5 3 ⁋ Department of Education shall be made available to ☒ ☐ ☐ eligible youth. (3) Youth shall be informed of post-secondary education and vocational opportunities. 1003.4 (o)(1) ☒ ☐ ☐ (4) Administration of the High School Equivalency Tests as approved by the California Department of 1003.5 3 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ Education, shall be made available when possible. (5) Supplemental instruction shall be afforded to youth who do not demonstrate sufficient progress towards 1003.5 4 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ grade level standards. (6) The minimum school day shall be consistent with State Education Code Requirements for juvenile court 1003.5 2 ⁋ schools. The facility administrator, in conjunction with education staff, must ensure that operational procedures do not interfere with the time afforded for ☒ ☐ ☐ the minimum instructional day. Absences, time out of class or educational instruction, both excused and unexcused, shall be documented. (7) Education shall be provided to all youth regardless of classification, housing, security status, disciplinary 1003.4 (a) or separation status, including room confinement, 1003.4 (g)(1) except when providing education poses an immediate 1003.8 threat to the safety of self or others. Education ☒ ☐ ☐ includes, but is not limited to, related services as provided in a youth’s Section 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP). (c) School Discipline (1) Positive behavior management will be 1003.7 1 ⁋ implemented to reduce the need for disciplinary action in the school setting and be integrated into the facility's ☒ ☐ ☐ overall behavioral management plan and security system. (2) School staff shall be advised of administrative decisions made by probation staff that may affect the 1003.7 2 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ educational programming of students. (3) Except as otherwise provided by the State Education Code, expulsion/suspension from school 1003.7 3 ⁋ shall be imposed only when other means of correction fails to bring about proper conduct. School staff shall follow the appropriate due process safeguards as set forth in the State Education Code including the rights ☒ ☐ ☐ of students with special needs. School staff shall document the other means of correction used prior to imposing expulsion/ suspension if an expulsion/suspension is ultimately imposed. (4) The facility administrator, in conjunction with education staff will develop policies and procedures 1003.4 (g) that address the rights of any student who has ☒ ☐ ☐ continuing difficulty completing a school day. 7741 Ventura SYTF at CS UI PRO 25-26 Page 3 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 (d) Provisions for Special Populations (1) State and federal laws and regulations shall be 1003.3 2 ⁋ observed for all individuals with disabilities or 1003.4 (a) suspected disabilities. This includes but is not limited to child find, assessment, continuum of alternative ☒ ☐ ☐ placements, manifestation determination reviews, and implementation of Section 504 Plans and Individualized Education Programs. (2) Youth identified as English Learners (EL) shall be afforded an educational program that addresses their 1003.4 (m) language needs pursuant to all applicable state and ☒ ☐ ☐ federal laws and regulations governing programs for EL students. (e) Educational Screening and Admission (1) Youth shall be interviewed after admittance and a 1003.4 (c)(1) record maintained that documents a youth's 1003.4 (h) ☒ ☐ ☐ educational history, including but not limited to: 1003.4.1 (A) School progress/school history; 1003.4.1 ☒ ☐ ☐ (B) Home Language Survey and the results of the State Test used for English language proficiency; 509.9.2 ☒ ☐ ☐ (C) Needs and services of special populations as defined by the State Education Code, including but 701.4 (f) not limited to, students with special needs. ☒ ☐ ☐ 1003.4 (e) (D) Discipline problems. 1003.7 ☒ ☐ ☐ (2) Youth will be immediately enrolled in school. Educational staff shall conduct an assessment to 1003.4 (c) determine the youth's general academic functioning ☒ ☐ ☐ 1003.4.1 1 ⁋ levels to enable placement in core curriculum courses. (3) After admission to the facility, a preliminary education plan shall be developed for each youth 1003.4.1 1 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ within five school days. (4) Upon enrollment, education staff shall comply with the State Education Code and request the youth's 1003.4.1 records from his/her prior school(s), including, but not limited to, transcripts, Individual Education Program (IEP), 504 Plan, state language assessment scores, immunization records, exit grades, and partial credits. ☒ ☐ ☐ Upon receipt of the transcripts, the youth's educational plan shall be reviewed with the youth and modified as needed. Youth should be informed of the credits they need to graduate. (f) Educational Reporting (1) The complete facility educational record of the 1003.4 (i) youth shall be forwarded to the next educational ☒ ☐ ☐ placement in accordance with the State Education Code. 7741 Ventura SYTF at CS UI PRO 25-26 Page 4 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 (2) The County Superintendent of Schools shall provide appropriate credit (full or partial) for course 1003.4 (i) work completed while in juvenile court school in ☒ ☐ ☐ accordance with the State Education Code. (g) Transition and Re-Entry Planning (1) The Superintendent of Schools and the Chief 1003.4 (n) Probation Officer or designee, shall develop policies and procedures to meet the transition needs of youth, including the development of an education transition ☒ ☐ ☐ plan, in accordance with the State Education Code and in alignment with Title 15, Minimum Standards for Juvenile Facilities, Section 1355. (h) Post-Secondary Education Opportunities (1) The school and facility administrator should, 1003.6 whenever possible, collaborate with local post- secondary education providers to facilitate access to We noted the VCPAJF Administration and the educational and vocational opportunities for youth that Office of Education have enrolled each considers the use of technology to implement these eligible youth in a Summer class, some PE programs. for their AA credit requirement, to ensure continued education. Eligible youth are taking ☒ ☐ ☐ 1-3 classes a semester and are provided tutors, which the agency brought on board for assistance with college classwork. There are six volunteers who provide services to youth as well as a Rising Scholars representative who comes on site one day each week. 1371 PROGRAMS, RECREATION, AND EXERCISE. 1002 Programs, Recreation and Exercise The facility administrator shall develop and implement 1002.2 written policies and procedures for programs, recreation, ☒ ☐ ☐ and exercise for all youth. The intent is to minimize the amount of time youth are in their rooms or their bed area. Juvenile facilities shall provide the opportunity for programs, recreation, and exercise a minimum of three 1002.3 1 ⁋ hours a day during the week and five hours a day each Saturday, Sunday or other non-school days, of which The agency has developed a process to audit one hour shall be an outdoor activity, weather permitting. the number of minutes per day for Programs, LME, and Recreation. Our findings of the facility-wide May audit revealed some youth (8) received less than 60 minutes of ☒ ☐ ☐ programming due to a unit emergency and/or declining to participate. Four youth were on Medical Separation and two youth were on room confinement. We provided technical assistance to offer “make-up” time to youth as available. A youth’s participation in programs, recreation, and exercise may be suspended only upon a written finding 1002.3 2 ⁋ by the administrator/manager or designee that a youth ☒ ☐ ☐ 1002.7 ⁋ 4 represents a threat to the safety and security of the facility. Such program, recreation, and exercise schedule shall be posted in the living units. 1002.3 3 ☒ ☐ ☐ ⁋ 7741 Ventura SYTF at CS UI PRO 25-26 Page 5 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 There will be a written annual review of the programs, recreation, and exercise by the responsible agency to 1000.3 (l) ensure content offered is current, consistent, and relevant to the population. A review of Programming at the Juvenile Facility was completed on April 3, 2025, by Chief Deputy Carrie Vredenburg. The ☒ ☐ ☐ review acknowledged program needs for male and female youth, noting they would be age appropriate and targeted based on identified needs in the Case Plan. (a) Programs. All youth shall be provided with the opportunity for at least one hour of daily programming to 1000.2 include, but not be limited to, trauma focused, cognitive, 1000.3 evidence-based, best practice interventions that are 1002.6 culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate, or pro- social interventions and activities designed to reduce Programming includes responses to Victim recidivism. These programs should be based on the Awareness, substance abuse, conflict youth’s individual needs as required by Sections 1355 resolution, anger management, parenting and 1356. Such programs may be provided under the skills, gender specific programming, mental direction of the Chief Probation Officer or the County health services, positive youth development, Office of Education and can be administered by county building effective decision-making skills, and partners such as mental health agencies, community other topics that suit the needs of the youth based organizations, faith-based organizations or population. Probation staff. Programs may include but are not limited to: Available programs include: Healthy (1) Cognitive Behavior Interventions; Lifestyles - Women of Substance Men of (2) Management of Stress and Trauma; Honor (WOSMOH); Reins of HOPE (equine (3) Anger Management; therapy; Interactive Journaling; Ventura (4) Conflict Resolution; County Arts Council (art, guitar, poetry, (5) Juvenile Justice System; drumming and mural painting); Therapy (6) Trauma-related interventions; Dogs; Dating Matters; First 5 Parenting (7) Victim Awareness; Program; Brent’s Club; Smart Girls; Boys and (8) Self-Improvement; Girls Club Program; Driving Simulator; (9) Parenting Skills and support; Podcasting; ADPS Tablets; STEPS-Y; Word (10) Tolerance and Diversity; on the Street; City Impact; Forever Found ☒ ☐ ☐ (11) Healing Informed Approaches; (CSEC youth); Passport to Manhood; ARISE; (12) Interventions by Credible Messengers; Lived Experience Youth Mentoring; MANDO; (13) Gender Specific Programming; Prison Education Project (PEP); Youth (14) Art, creative writing, or self-expression; Advisory Council; Religious Mentoring and (15) CPR and First Aid training; Counseling; Philosophy Group; Operation (16) Restorative Justice or Civic Engagement; Peace Works; Gender Specific Services; and (17) Career and leadership opportunities; and, Music N Society. (18) Other topics suitable to the youth population. Ventura County Behavior Health provides the following: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); Drug and Alcohol Programs (individual and group); Moral Recognition Therapy (MRT); Seeking Safety; Anger Management and Conflict Resolution; Individual, Family and Group Therapy; Co- Parent Counseling; and Sex Offender Treatment. Educational Programs include: Paxton Patterson (Construction trades program); Providence Scholars Program (online college); College Success; Literacy Tutors; Money Matters; and AutoTech. 7741 Ventura SYTF at CS UI PRO 25-26 Page 6 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 TITLE 15 SECTION YES NO N/A P/P REFERENCE – COMMENTS3 Re-Entry Services include: First Aide/CPR; Alpha Leadership; Forever Found Case Management; Second Chance Re-entry Services; Reducing Risks for Girls; Harm to Healing Restorative Justice; and Court Appointed Special Advocates. The agency is developing a Dog Program and increasing their Ag Program via a contracted provider to supervise youth in the circle of growing, harvesting, and consuming produce in the area adjacent to the rear of the facility plant. Our conversations with the youth in detention revealed they have access to all services, gaged and referred based on their anticipated length of stay. Commitment and SYTF youth are eligible for all programming while on site. (b) Recreation. All youth shall be provided the opportunity for at least one hour of daily access to unscheduled 1002.5 activities such as leisure reading, letter writing, and entertainment. Activities shall be supervised and include Recreation Programs include Library Carts; orientation and may include coaching of youth. Organized Games; Special Events; and the Boys and Girls Club Rec Center. We noted the agency has created and began to make modifications to a Unit in Ana Capa for a Library. The flooring and painting have ☒ ☐ ☐ been completed and the project goes to the Board of Supervisors in July. There will be a full-time librarian and aide to work with youth from all units to have access and an understanding of reading all types of books for education and pleasure. It is hoped that authors, speakers, and other presentations will take place in this space as well. (c) Exercise. All youth shall be provided with the opportunity for at least one hour of large muscle activity 1002.4 each day. Exercise other than that facilitated by staff ☒ ☐ ☐ include Futsal, Basketball, Boys and Girls Club Gym, and Special Events. The administrator/manager may suspend, for a period not to exceed 24 hours, access to recreation and programs. 1002.7 3 ⁋ The administrator/manager shall document the reasons ☒ ☐ ☐ why suspension of recreation and programs occurs. 7741 Ventura SYTF at CS UI PRO 25-26 Page 7 of 7 J453 JUV PRO eff. 01.01.25 JUVENILE HALLS, SPECIAL PURPOSE JUVENILE HALLS, AND CAMPS LIVING AREA SPACE EVALUATION Board of State and Community Corrections BSCC Code: 7727 7728 7740 7741 FACILITY: Ventura County Probation Agency Juvenile Facilities: TYPE: RC: 420 Juvenile Detention RC 150 (7727); Juvenile Commitment RC 210 (7728); JH/Camp/SYTF Juvenile Detention SYTF RC 30 (7740); Juvenile Commitment SYTF RC 30 (7741) FIELD REPRESENTATIVE: Elizabeth Gong DATE: June 11, 2025 ROOMS EACH ROOM Unit Room Applicable # EACH ROOM Total DIMENSIONS FIXTURES* Designation Type Standards Rooms # RC RC (L x W x H) T U W F S Beds Court Basement Holding Holding A Holding 2001 1 (10) (10) 15.4’ X 14.3’ 1 1 Holding 2001 1 (5) (5) 8.5’ X 8.2’ 1 1 2 Holding 2001 1 (4) (4) 8.5’ X 6.8’ 1 1 3 Holding 2001 1 (4) (4) 8.5’ X 6.8’ 1 1 4 Holding 2001 1 (4) (4) 8.5’ X 6.8’ 1 1 5 Holding 2001 1 (4) (4) 8.5’ X 6.8’ 1 1 6 Holding 2001 1 (5) (5) 8.5’ X 7.4’ 1 1 Holding B Holding 2001 1 (12) (12) 17.3’ X 18.5’ 1 1 Note: The basement holding area is staffed and operated by the Probation Department and inspected in conjunction with the JH. Floors 1 and 2 are staffed and operated by the Sheriff’s Department and inspected as an adult court holding facility. Intake Group 2001 1 0 (6) 11’3” x 9’3.5” Holding Safety 2001 1 (1) 70.4 sq. feet Room 1-5 Holding 2001 5 (5) 66 sq. feet 1 1 1 1-2 Medical 2001 2 155.11 sq. feet Multi- 2001 1 94’ x 29’4” = Purpose 2757.02 sq. feet Program Room Notes: There are three showers in the Intake area. The Multi-Purpose Program room is used for programming space in the event a youth is maintained in this area for a long period of time. *T = Toilets; U = Urinals; W = Wash Basins; F = Fountains; S = Showers in unit. If "Total RC" appears in brackets ( ), it is not part of the facility's rated capacity. 7727+ Ventura VCPAJF JH Camp SYTF UI LASE 25-26 - 1 - J460 LAS JUV-05.dot (rev.12/2022) ROOMS EACH ROOM Unit Room Applicable # EACH ROOM Total DIMENSIONS FIXTURES* Designation Type Standards Rooms # RC RC (L x W x H) T U W F S Beds Balcom I: On the date of the inspection, this unit was unoccupied. Dayroom 2001 1 1 1 1 3 70 sq. feet Single 2001 20 1 1 20 1 1 1 Classroom 2001 1 (20) 728 sq. feet Notes: Of the 20 single rooms, two are ADA rooms measuring 110 sq. feet. Balcom II: On the date of the inspection, this unit was unoccupied. The space is being used as Recreation Space, Canteen Area, and a Multi-Sensory De-escalation Room. Dayroom 2001 1 1 1 1 3 70 sq. feet Single 2001 12 1 1 12 1 1 1 Double 2001 4 2 2 8 Classroom 2001 2 (10) (20) 450 sq. feet Note: Of the 20 single rooms, two are ADA rooms measuring 110 sq. feet. Balcom III: On the date of the inspection, this unit was unoccupied. Dayroom 2001 1 1 1 1 3 70 sq. feet Single 2001 20 1 1 20 1 1 1 Classroom 2001 1 (20) 727 sq. feet Balcom Safety 2001 2 (1) (2) 64.66 sq. feet Hallway Room Note: Of the 20 single rooms, two are ADA rooms measuring 110 sq. feet. The Safety Room has not been used in years. If necessary, the Safety Room in Booking is used. Sycamore 1: Unit 100 This Unit housed four male SYTF youth on the day of the inspection. Dayroom 2001 1 1 1 1 3 ADA 2001 1 1 1 1 10’3” x 10’ 1 1 1 single Single 2001 14 1 1 14 7’ x 10’ 1 1 1 Classroom 2001 1 (15) 594 sq. feet Sycamore 1: Unit 200 This unit housed seven male SYTF youth on the day of the inspection. Dayroom 2001 1 1 1 1 3 *T = Toilets; U = Urinals; W = Wash Basins; F = Fountains; S = Showers in unit. If "Total RC" appears in brackets ( ), it is not part of the facility's rated capacity. 7727+ Ventura VCPAJF JH Camp SYTF UI LASE 25-26 - 2 - J460 LAS JUV-05.dot (rev.12/2022) ROOMS EACH ROOM Unit Room Applicable # EACH ROOM Total DIMENSIONS FIXTURES* Designation Type Standards Rooms # RC RC (L x W x H) T U W F S Beds ADA 2001 1 1 1 1 10’3” x 10’ 1 1 1 single Single 2001 14 1 1 14 7’ x 10’ 1 1 1 Classroom 2001 1 (15) 594 sq. feet Sycamore 3: Unit 300 On the date of the inspection, this unit was unoccupied. Dayroom 2001 1 1 1 1 3 ADA 2001 1 1 1 1 10’3” x 10’ 1 1 1 single Single 2001 14 1 1 14 7’ x 10’ 1 1 1 Classroom 2001 1 (15) 594 sq. feet Sycamore 3: Unit 400 This unit housed 13 Commitment youth, 11 male and 2 female, on the day of the inspection. Dayroom 2001 1 1 1 1 3 ADA 2001 1 1 1 1 10’3” x 10’ 1 1 1 single Single 2001 14 1 1 14 7’ x 10’ 1 1 1 Classroom 2001 1 (15) 594 sq. feet Matilija 1: Unit 100 This unit is a Special Program Unit with two male Detention youth, five male commitment youth, and three SYTF youth (one female, two male). Dayroom 2001 1 1 1 1 3 ADA 2001 1 1 1 1 10’3” x 10’ 1 1 1 single Single 2001 14 1 1 14 7’ x 10’ 1 1 1 Classroom 2001 1 (15) 594 sq. feet Matilija 1: Unit 200 On the date of the inspection, this unit was unoccupied. Dayroom 2001 1 1 1 1 3 ADA 2001 1 1 1 1 10’3” x 10’ 1 1 1 single Single 2001 14 1 1 14 7’ x 10’ 1 1 1 Classroom 2001 1 (15) 594 sq. feet *T = Toilets; U = Urinals; W = Wash Basins; F = Fountains; S = Showers in unit. If "Total RC" appears in brackets ( ), it is not part of the facility's rated capacity. 7727+ Ventura VCPAJF JH Camp SYTF UI LASE 25-26 - 3 - J460 LAS JUV-05.dot (rev.12/2022) ROOMS EACH ROOM Unit Room Applicable # EACH ROOM Total DIMENSIONS FIXTURES* Designation Type Standards Rooms # RC RC (L x W x H) T U W F S Beds Matilija 3: 300 Unit This Unit housed nine male detention youth and four male commitment youth on the day of the inspection. Dayroom 2001 1 1 1 1 3 ADA 2001 1 1 1 1 10’3” x 10’ 1 1 1 single Single 2001 14 1 1 14 7’ x 10’ 1 1 1 Classroom 2001 1 (15) 594 sq. feet Matilija 3: Unit 400 This Unit housed nine male detention youth and one female commitment youth on the day of the inspection. Dayroom 2001 1 1 1 1 3 ADA 2001 1 1 1 1 10’3” x 10’ 1 1 1 single Single 2001 14 1 1 14 7’ x 10’ 1 1 1 Classroom 2001 1 (15) 594 sq. feet Ana Capa Buildings 1-4: This space is used for the Boys and Girls Club, and Commitment Programming. Since it is not sleeping space, we are recording the capacity for all four areas. Units 1-4 Classroom 2001 4 (15) (60) 590 sq. feet Dayroom 2001 4 (132) 998 sq. feet each 2 2 3 3 ADA 2001 4 4 4 4 7’7” x 9’10” each 1 1 1 single Single 2001 8 1 1 8 7’ x 10’ each 1 1 1 Dorm 2001 12 4 4 48 10’ x 20’4” each Santa Cruz Buildings 1-4: All four living areas are vacant and only occasionally used for Commitment Schooling. Units 1-4 Classroom 2001 4 (15) (60) 590 sq. feet Dayroom 2001 4 (132) 998 sq. feet each 2 2 3 3 ADA 2001 4 4 4 4 7’7” x 9’10” each 1 1 1 single Single 2001 8 1 1 8 7’ x 10’ each 1 1 1 Dorm 2001 12 4 4 48 10’ x 20’4” each Santa Rosa Buildings 1-4: The buildings are used for storage, Vocational Programs, Music Program, ARISE, and the Paxton Patterson Construction Program. *T = Toilets; U = Urinals; W = Wash Basins; F = Fountains; S = Showers in unit. If "Total RC" appears in brackets ( ), it is not part of the facility's rated capacity. 7727+ Ventura VCPAJF JH Camp SYTF UI LASE 25-26 - 4 - J460 LAS JUV-05.dot (rev.12/2022) ROOMS EACH ROOM Unit Room Applicable # EACH ROOM Total DIMENSIONS FIXTURES* Designation Type Standards Rooms # RC RC (L x W x H) T U W F S Beds Units 1-4 Classroom 2001 4 (15) (60) 590 sq. feet Dayroom 2001 4 (132) 998 sq. feet each 2 2 3 3 ADA 2001 4 4 4 4 7’7” x 9’10” each 1 1 1 single Single 2001 8 1 1 8 7’ x 10’ each 1 1 1 Dorm 2001 12 4 4 48 10’ x 20’4” each Wheeler 1: This Unit was unoccupied during the inspection. Dayroom 2001 1 2 2 2 6 ADA 2001 2 1 1 2 10’3” x 10’ 1 1 1 single Single 2001 28 1 1 28 7’ x 10’ 1 1 1 Classroom 2001 2 (15) 594 sq. feet Wheeler II: This Unit was unoccupied during the inspection. Dayroom 2001 1 2 2 2 6 ADA 2001 2 1 1 2 10’3” x 10’ 1 1 1 single Single 2001 28 1 1 28 7’ x 10’ 1 1 1 Classroom 2001 2 (15) 594 sq. feet *T = Toilets; U = Urinals; W = Wash Basins; F = Fountains; S = Showers in unit. If "Total RC" appears in brackets ( ), it is not part of the facility's rated capacity. 7727+ Ventura VCPAJF JH Camp SYTF UI LASE 25-26 - 5 - J460 LAS JUV-05.dot (rev.12/2022)