Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall

Contra Costa County
Probation Overview
County Probation Officer Philip Kader
The Evolution of Probation
A century ago the concept of probation was created as an
alternative to harsh incarceration conditions for lesser offenders.
Through the years the role of Probation in the Criminal Justice
System has evolved to fill a diverse scope of functions and
responsibilities, and in doing so has become essential to the Courts.
Today, probation is more commonly
viewed as a sanction as opposed to an
act of leniency. Probation provides
supervision to a variety of offenders as
a sentencing alternative – holding
offenders accountable and enforcing
compensation to the community and
victims of crime.
Central County Probation Office
Martinez
The Probation Officer’s Role
The Contra Costa County Probation Department operates under
the direction of the County Probation Officer, Philip Kader. It is
the role of the County Probation Officer to act as the eyes, ears
and legs of the Court – gathering information needed by the
Court, observing thousands of offenders and reporting their
behavior to the Court as it relates to their compliance with court
orders. To assist him with this daunting task, the Department
employs over 300 employees to help him carry out his charge.
Departmental Structure
The Contra Costa County Probation Department operates two distinct divisions:
Field Services and Institutional Services
Field Services are responsible for:
• Supervising both adults and juveniles on probation
• Preparing an array of investigative reports
• Providing Court Officers for juvenile and adult courts
• Working with communities to deter criminal conduct
Institutional Services are responsible for:
• Operating the John A. Davis Juvenile Hall
• Operating the Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility
• Operating the Home Supervision Program
Contra Costa County
Juvenile Hall
The John A. Davis Juvenile
Hall opened in June 2005. It
was built to hold a capacity of
290 youth, but is currently
only staffed to house 174
youth. It is a maximumsecurity detention facility for
juvenile offenders.
Juvenile Hall does not accept all juvenile
offenders. Mixing low level offenders with
high risk offenders is counterproductive. If
an officer arrests a minor for a lower level
offense, they may cite and release them to
appear before a judge at a later time. If
the offense is serious, and with approval of
a Probation Officer, they may book them
into Juvenile Hall. The court may also
order minors detained in Juvenile Hall.
Intake into Juvenile Hall
Upon admission to Juvenile Hall:
• Personal property is logged and stored
• Offered food
• Allowed to call their parent/guardian & attorney
• Receive health screening
• Showered and issued Juvenile Hall clothing
• Assigned to a housing unit based on “Classification”
Classification System is designed to provide
for the minor’s safety, the safety of other
minors, facility staff and the public, by
placing the youth in the most appropriate
and least restrictive housing and program
setting. Classification factors include: age,
maturity, sophistication, emotional stability,
program needs, legal status, public safety
considerations, medical/mental health
consideration and gender.
Unit
Orientation
Juvenile Hall has several different
housing units. Currently seven units
are in operation: six for male residents
and one for females.
Upon admission each minor will be
assigned to a unit. A Probation
Counselor will explain the rules,
expectations and answer questions for
the youth. They will be assigned a
room, and may or may not have a
roommate. Each unit can house up to
30 residents. Ten of the rooms are
designed to house two residents, and
ten of the rooms are designed to
house one resident.
Resident Rooms
Activities and Programming
Juvenile Hall provides residents the opportunity for
recreation and exercise, a minimum of three hours a
day during the week and five hours a day on nonschool days. At least one hour of exercise involves
large muscle activities, such a basketball, relays, or
kickball. Residents also have access to board games,
dominos, cards, ping pong, and structured unit
activities organized and supervised by staff members.
The Juvenile Court Process
The Juvenile Justice System,
which is under Superior Court
jurisdiction, has authority over
children less than 18 years of
age (at time of offense) who
become juvenile dependents
or juvenile wards.
After a minor has been arrested and
booked into Juvenile Hall, an Intake
officer will meet with the minor and
explain what his or her constitutional
rights are. The District Attorney will
determine if a petition for wardship will
be filed. If a petition is not filed within
48 hours (not counting weekends or
holidays) the minor will be released. If
a petition is filed, an intake officer will
write a report after talking to the minor
and his/her parents. The Intake Officer
will recommend whether or not the
minor should remain in custody
pending the adjudication hearing.
During the proceeding, minors have a
right to a lawyer and most of the
procedural due process rights given to
adult defendants.
Juvenile Court
The current judicial process of California’s
juvenile justice system relies heavily on
the discretion of police officers,
probation officers and the juvenile court.
At each stage of the process, through
arrest, hearing, disposition and postdisposition options, there are numerous
possible outcomes for a youth…
…ranging from release to community-based
services on probation, detention, out-of-home
placement, or commitment to an institution.
Probation officers, in particular, heavily influence
the outcomes for juvenile offenders.
Juvenile Justice System
JUVENILE ARREST
Cite released by police
Detained - transported to
Juv. Hall by police
Detained at JH by
Probation officer
Released from JH by
Probation Officer
PO Admonished -closed
Informal Probation
with conditions
Petition filed (within
48 hrs) by DA
Admonished and closed
but record retained
Detention Hearing
Release or Detain
Informal
Probation with
conditions
Petition filed
Court Hearing with
Judge and attorneys
Petition dismissed
Case Closed
Petition filed (no time
frame) by DA
Petition Sustained
PO to complete
Report
Disposition
(Sentencing)
1 yr non-ward Probation -725(a) W&I
DJJ
Wardship
OAYRF
Placement
Supervised at home
Probation violated
or new charges
Dispositional Outcomes
1)
•
•
•
•
2)
•
Probation
Release to parent or guardian
Receive a list of strict rules from the court that must be adhered to
May be placed on Home Supervision, ordered to complete counseling etc.
If the rules are not followed, re-arrest can result
Out-of-Home Placement/Treatment Program
Designed to address minor’s individual needs (i.e. drug/alcohol rehabilitation,
sexual misconduct, violent behavior, abuse, anti-social behaviors)
• Taken out of parents’ custody and placed in a group home in the community
3) Commitment to a County Institution (OAYRF/YOTP/GIM)
• Detention facilities run by the County Probation Department
• Generally for serious crimes or multiple offenses
• May be last option before DJJ or prison
4) Division of Juvenile Justice
• High-level secure detention facilities run by the state Department of Corrections
and Rehabilitation
• For very serious crimes as a ‘last resort’ option, when local programs are not
sufficient
• If tried as an adult, may be sent to DJJ until age 18, and then transferred to prison.
Family Contact
Residents may visit
with the parent(s) or
legal guardian(s) twice
a week, for one hour
each visit.
Your Name
After 5 days return to:
202 Glacier Drive
Martinez, California 94553-4898
Your Housing Unit
To: Full Name
Address (Number and Street)
City, CA Zip-Code
Residents may contact family and friends through
the collect pay phone or by sending mail.
Health Care Services
Health care services are provided to all minors housed in
Juvenile Hall.
A health appraisal/medical examination shall be completed
within 96 hours of admission into the facility.
Sick Call Box
Residents have access to mental health services:
•Screening
•Crisis Intervention
•Management of acute episodes
•Stabilization of mental disorders
•Prevention of deterioration while in custody
Mt. McKinley School
Residents are provided with Educational Services while detained in
Juvenile Hall. Residents in custody attend the Mt. McKinley School.
Shortly after admission students are assessed to determine their specific
educational needs. The Mt. McKinley teachers are credentialed and
work for the Contra Costa County Office of Education. Students can earn
a High School Diploma or GED while in custody. There are also services
for Special Education and English language learners.
Mission- Provide quality instruction while promoting socially
desirable behavior in a supportive and safe environment.
Youthful Offender Treatment Program
Y
O
T
Mission- The mission of the Youthful Offender Treatment Program is to protect
society by restructuring unacceptable anti-social behavior of youth and young
adults by instilling the life skills necessary to transition into the community.
YOTP is a 30-bed boys treatment program located inside Juvenile Hall. The
program is designed for the more sophisticated, older residents, generally between
16 and 19 years of age. The program goal is to develop pro-social skills, critical
thinking and reasoning, independent life skills, self-control, structure and family
reunification. There are five phases to the program, and the resident’s program
length is determined by their successful completion of each phase.
P
Girls in Motion
Juvenile Hall has one girl’s housing unit. Within that unit, Juvenile Hall staff has developed the “Girls in
Motion Program,” also known as GIM. The Court has the option of ordering female offenders into the
treatment program. The mission of the Girls in Motion Treatment Program is to provide a safe and
structured environment that will allow adolescent female residents to achieve positive change and personal
growth. These goals will be accomplished through individualized treatment plans, individual counseling and
group programming focused to strengthen pro-social values/attitudes and restructure anti-social behaviors.
The girls attend both individual and group counseling. Probation Staff receive training on gender specific
issues and lead many of the girl’s groups. Counseling is provided by Mental Health Therapists, as well as,
Community Violence Solutions, Project Success and other community based organizations. The
counseling/treatment groups address trauma issues, relationship development, anger management/conflict
resolution, and substance abuse. Treatment is also provided for youth who have been identified as being
sexually exploited to address CSEC issues (Commercially Sexually Exploited Children).
Residents are
provided with
meals three times
a day, plus an
evening snack.
Food Services
Juvenile Hall Cooks
prepare meals based
on nutritional and
caloric standards set by
national guidelines.
Laundry Services
Institutional Service
workers wash and
maintain all resident
clothing, bedding and
linens in our Juvenile
Hall Laundry Room.
Resident’s T-Shirts,
undergarments and
socks are laundered
daily. Outer garments,
bedding and linens are
exchanged at least
weekly.
Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility
The Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility (OAYRF) was established by the
Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, under the direction of the County Probation Officer,
to be a commitment and treatment center for adolescent delinquent youngsters. The
first unit of the ranch, which had a capacity of 21 wards, opened in March 1960. A
second dormitory was added in 1999 and the total capacity of the facility is now 100
residents. Residents are limited to male youth who have been committed by the
Juvenile Court.
The OAYRF provides young men with a constructive and positive environment in
which they can examine their attitudes and behavior. The program provides the
atmosphere and opportunities for personal growth, insight and change. The staff
members not only supervise the various daily activities but also encourage and
challenge the young men to think about their attitudes as these relate to the type
of future they want to create for themselves.
OAYRF Activities
The components of the facility are divided into four aspects:
school, work experience, recreation and social awareness
programming.
All boys entering the program are assessed by school staff and
placed on a track to earn a high school diploma, GED, or to earn
transferable credits to their home schools.
The OAYRF depends on the boys to maintain their own
environment. Work experience includes janitorial, landscaping,
food service and laundry for which the residents earn
schoolwork experience.
Recreation is provided on site including various organized
sports and swimming. Competitive sport teams compete
against other ranch teams as well as local high schools.
Social awareness programs are offered to meet conditions
ordered by the Court and to assist the youth into developing
good decision making skills and positive social interactions.
Treatment Programs and Services
Counseling takes place in individual and group formats conducted by staff. Each
probation counselor has direct oversight of a caseload assigned to ensure the
various requirements from their treatment program are being met.
Programming also includes drug/alcohol treatment, Impact of Crime on Victims,
gang diversion and cognitive behavior classes. Youth also have the opportunity
to work with Senior Tutors, Read-to-Live, the Garden Club, Small Engine Repair
and other programs as available.
Delta Vista High School
Unless they have already graduated high school, or otherwise achieved
equivalency, all minors committed to the facility are required to attend an
individual designed school program. Classes are designed to prepare the youth to
successfully return to their regular school … and for a productive adult life.
Available classes include but are not limited to:
•English/Language Arts
•Remedial Reading
•Mathematics
•Science
•Fine Arts
•Physical Education
•Health Science
•Vocational Training
•Career Exploration
•Work Experience Education
•Basic Computer Skills
•US History/Government/Economics
•World History
Special Educational
Services are also
available.
Institutional Staff
Contra Costa County Probation Counselors and Probation Officers are Peace Officers
In order to operate our Juvenile Hall and Ranch, the Probation
Department employs approximately 190 employees (permanent and
on-call help). This includes administrative personnel, supervisors,
probation officers, probation counselors, clerical support staff and
service workers (custodial/kitchen workers). Also working in the
facility are school staff, health services staff, general services and
others who are employed by ancillary county departments.
The Probation Department accepts Probation Counselor
applications bi-annually. Interested candidates can learn more
about employment opportunities by visiting our County Website at
www.co.contra-costa.ca.us. If you are interested in being notified
when the Probation Counselor/Officer jobs open to accept
applications, place a “Request Job Notification by Category” and
select “Probation.” Your request will be active for one year.
PC Minimum Qualifications
Probation Counselor Minimum Qualifications:
•Valid California Driver’s License
•Completion of 60 semester units/90 quarter units (12 semester units/18 quarter units
must be in Behavioral Sciences)
•Citizen of the United States or a Permanent resident, eligible and applied for
citizenship
•Ability to meet such health standards as may be prescribed by the County Medical
consultant. This will include a physical agility test and/or a functional capacity test
• Successful completion of thorough background investigation and psychological
evaluation
•Not convicted of a felony or any crime which indicates unfitness for performing the
duties and responsibilities of the Peace Officer position.
Expectations and Responsibilities
General Responsibilities for Probation Counselor (PC) I:
The PC-I’s primary responsibility is to provide custodial care, supervision,
treatment and rehabilitation of persons accused of, or adjudged responsible
for criminal or delinquent conduct.
Incumbents learn to apply individual and group counseling principles and
techniques to youth in the County’s juvenile institutions and are trained to
monitor youthful offenders in programs that are under the jurisdiction of the
Juvenile Court.
PCs monitor, direct, and control the activities of juveniles during daily care,
recreation, work details, and activities inside and outside of the facility.
Duties also include maintaining appropriate close supervision and security over
juveniles to prevent self-injuries, accidents, fights, escapes and other negative
incidents.
Typical Tasks for PC-I
•Effectively assists in maintaining security and safety for all staff and minors. This
may include the use of verbal diffusion, verbal commands, and/or physical force,
mechanical or chemical restraints on hostile, combative and/or out-of-control
youthful offenders.
•Prepares clear and accurate incident reports in an expeditious manner.
•Provides general and crisis counseling of juveniles, offering advice and guidance.
•Communicate with other facility staff regarding observations and conclusion
resulting from group interaction and individual offender behavior.
•Oversees the supervision of youthful offender’s mealtime, personal care,
recreation, and other general activities.
•Guide residents in their physical, emotional, and social development through
direction and positive role-modeling.
Resident Advocates and Activist
Many people dedicate a lot of time and effort to diligently support our youth from behind the scenes. Their
support is vital and appreciated greatly. The faces and names may vary, but their mission is the same, to help
the youth. Pastoral services, library volunteers, mentors, the Hall Closet volunteers, and of course all those
committed to making the Juvenile Hall Auxiliary successful; a resource to youth and staff by providing
scholarships, supplies for needy families, holiday gift bags, and a wide variety of much needed help to those
struggling to improve their lives.