Posted December 17, 2024 2:30 PM PST
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is set to declare a local state of emergency for Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey today, as the facility continues to operate despite closure orders from state regulators due to a lack of alternative facilities.
The juvenile detention center has faced operational challenges since its reopening last year. Currently housing approximately 250 youth, the facility was ordered to close by December 12 by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC). However, county officials have continued operations, citing a severe shortage of alternative facilities.
The emergency declaration comes amid mounting concerns over several critical issues:
- Potential safety risks for both detained youth and staff members
- Legal complications arising from continued operation of a facility deemed “unsuitable” by BSCC
- Absence of viable alternative facilities to house the currently detained youth
Through the emergency declaration, the county is expected to implement several immediate measures, including addressing urgent staffing shortages, developing plans to comply with state regulations, and exploring alternative housing options within the juvenile justice system.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Miguel Espinoza has scheduled a hearing for December 23 to determine the facility’s fate, a decision that is likely to escalate tensions between county authorities and state regulatory agencies.
“The situation at Los Padrinos represents a critical challenge in our juvenile justice system,” a county official stated. “While we acknowledge the BSCC’s concerns, we must also ensure the safety and proper placement of our detained youth.”
The emergency declaration highlights the ongoing crisis in Los Angeles County’s juvenile detention system and the broader challenges facing youth corrections facilities across the state.
