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HomeMy WebLinkAboutfacility inspectionsSTATE OF CALIFORNIA -DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILfTATiON EDWARD G. GROWN JR., GOVERNOR CORRECTIONS STAN©ARDS AUTHORITY 600 Bercut Drive Sacramento, CA 95811 916-445-5473 www.csa.ca.go~ April l $, 2012 Mr. Steven K. Bordin, Chief Probation Officer Butte County Probation Department 42 County Center Drive Oroville, CA 95965 Dear Chief Bordin: BUTTE COUNTY JUVENILE FACILITY INSPECTIONS, WELFARE AND INSTITUITIONS CODE, SECTION 249 o R~_ sw ~ ~`~4prjb-~1`~'.k .'r 4G ?~-~ `y.`, wy.. .:..~ ' df Ot Cdll40Q . On February 15, 2012, the Corrections Standards Authority (CSA) conducted the 2410-2012 biennial site inspection of the Butte County Juvenile Hall. The inspection was preceded by a pre-inspection briefzng held on September 22, 2411, during which we outlined plans and expectations for the inspection. We sincerely appreciate the patience, courtesy, -and cooperation extended by your staff during the inspection. We want to thank everyone who participated in the process for his or her assistance in facilitating the inspection. We especially thank Superintendent Brian Anderson and Assistant Superintendent Nino Pinocchio for coordinating the overall process, being responsive to our requests, and for sharing their experiences. Everyone was extremely helpfiil in providing an overview of the department`s philosophy and operations, clarification on policy issues, access for interviews, and documentation. The overall inspection consisted of a review of the facility's policy and procedures manual, as well as documentation to verify that practices follow policies. We toured the facility and had discussions with management, child supervision and support staff, as well as minors detained in each facility. This report includes the following: • The policy and procedures. checklist listing areas of compliance and non-compliance for the facility; • The Inspection Cycle Information summary for the facility, which lists relevant facility information and the dates of inspections by local agencies; • The physical plant evaluation for the facility, outlining requirements for design (Title 24, California Code of Regulations); and, 7027 Butte Co 1H LTR.doc, 4/182012 Gc .gds Mr. Steven IC. Bordin, Chicf Pa•obation Officer Page 2 • The living area space evaluation for the Facility, which summarizes the physical plant configuration for the detention area grid provides historical comments related to establishing the Rated Capacity (RC). LOCAL INSPECTIONS To obtain an overall view of facility conditions, this report should be reviewed in conjunction with county inspections required by Title 15, Section 1313 County Inspection and Evaluation of Building and Grounds, and statute. These inspections are performed by the: fire marshal; health department; building inspector; superintendent of schools; juvenile court judge and the Juvenile Justice Commission. All required local inspections are cui~-ent and the specifc dates for each inspection are Hated on the Inspection Cycle Information summary sheet. There were na findings on Han-compliance in the reports. CSA INSPECTION Title 15 Procedures We reviewed the policy and procedures manuals for each facility and the results are noted on the attached checklist. The review included all pending policy revisions. While no issues of non- compliance were identified during the review, we did suggest some minor modifications be made to both policies to better reflect current practices. The changes were promptly completed and staff was notified of the changes before the completion of this report. During the facility site visits, we reviewed documentation to confirm that practice follows policy. We reviewed grievances and generally found the responses to be appropriate and that an avenue for appeal existed i.n the event the minor was dissatisfied with the initial answer. Discipline reports reflected timely hearings and sanctions consistent with the regulation. The grievance process is available to appeal discipline if the youth chooses to do so. We reviewed incident reports involving the use of force. Each incident appeared appropriate and the practice followed the policies. Safety checks, medical and mental health follow-ups, and required approvals were performed as required. Restraints are not used in the Butte Juvenile Hall. The safety cell was only used on one occasion. We did provide some suggestions that might assist staff during the rare instances when they do use the cell to ensure all the requiurements of the regulation are met and documented appropriately. We reviewed staffing plans, schedules and documentation of safety checks. While not rising to a level ofnon-compliance, we did note that during unusual incidents where combative youth were acting out in the intake area, staffing in the Iiving units could be depleted during the hours of 10:04 pm to 6:00 am. While exigent circumstances can result in staffing concerns, we suggest regular reviews to determine the frequency and Ievel of impact of such incidents. We recognize that emergencies do occur and staff must be temporarily reassigned to address an unforeseen situation that demands immediate attention. If the incidents occur with sufficient frequency, even though unscheduled, they should be considered activities normally included when developing a staffing plan. ~oz~ sunccA~r~ ~,rR.ao~,anarzo~z Mr. Steven K. Bordin, Chief Probation Officer Page 3 Following the document review, we conducted walk-through that allowed us the opportunity to do the following: inspect the physical condition of each housing unit; observe minors participating in programs; and, speak to child supervision staff and minors to confirm that practice follows policy. Our discussions with staff indicated consistent unplementation of policy. The minors interviewed at all of the facilities said they felt they were safe, were being treated fairly and that staff listened to their concerns. The youth appeared to have pride in their surroundings as reflected in their attire, general cleanliness, and the displays in the living units. Physical Plant The juvenile Detention Facility was designed using the 1998 Title 24 Standards and constructed in 2003. The Rated Capacity (RC} as designed, was determined to be 120. At the time of the inspection, the facility was staffed sufficiently for 60 youth. Housing Units A, B, and D were not being used to house minors. Unit B was being used as a program area for Boys and Girls Club, a group activity. The combined population on the day of the inspection was 45. We found the facility to be clean, well maintained, and free of graffiti. A large outdoor yard and a smaller outdoor area provide ample space for group recreation. We did provide some suggestions to improve the level of security in both areas as well as a new walkway from the juvenile hall to the juvenile court. P>rog>ra><ns Many services and programs are offered. Probation staff, educational staff, private providers, and community volunteers provide educational and religious activities acid services including Girls Circle, Teen Age Parenting, Foster Grand Parenting, and a leadership program offered through Chico State University. Counseling programs are available on sub}ects that include substance abuse and self-esteem building. Guest speakers are used whenever possible. The county's mental health agency offers counseling and treatment programs. Medical and dental care services are provided by contract providers. During weekdays, Boys and Girls Club staff members provide structured club activities in the dayroom area of Housing Unit B. The Boys and Girls Club also has relationships with a variety of community agencies to ensure the youth has access to additional services upon release. The "Targeted Re-Entry Program" is designed to ensure a successful transition back into the community. The Butte County Office of Education provides educational programs including high school diploma or GED preparation and testing. One young man received his diploma during a graduation ceremony on the day of our visit. Teaching is year-round and substitute teachers are used to ensure the continuity of education when the regular teachers are absent. Unless absent 7027 Butte Co JH LTR.doc, 4/1801012 Mr. Steven [C. Bordin, Chief Prol~atian Office3• Page 4 due to medical issues, legal visits, or court appearances, all minors attend classes. Minars an disciplinary raorn restriction are required to attend school. SUMMARY No issues of non-compliance were noted the inspection and no corrective action is necessary. We sincerely appreciate the patience, courtesy, and cooperatioli extended by your staff during the inspection. Should you have any questions or comments relating to this inspection, please feel free to contact me directly, at (91 G} 324-9153 or by e-mail at dan.allen cr,cdcr.ca.gQV. Sincerely, ~~ . NALD M. ALLEN Field Representative Facilities Standards and Operations Division Enclosures Cc: Presiding Judge, Juvenile Court, Butte County* Chair, Juvenile Justice Commission, Butte County Chair, Board of Supervisors, Butte County* County Administrator, Butte County* Brian Anderson, Superintendent *Full copies of this inspection report are available upon Yeyuest. 7027 Butte Co JH L: fR.doc, 411 SI2012