HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 08011989 - S.5 S.5
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on August 1, 1989 , by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Powers, Fanden, Schroder, McPeak, Torlakson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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SUBJECT: Presentation on Proposed Cuts in Probation Department
Natalie Russell, representing the Juvenile Justice and
Delinquency Prevention Commission, appeared before the Board and
commented on the over-crowding situation in juvenile facilities and
the expanding caseloads in the Probation services. She stated that
planning should begin now for a new juvenile facility to be built
within ten years. She noted however that there is a pressing need
for additional probation staff to provide adequate services to
youth in trouble right now. Ms. Russell commented on the need for
a wide range of placement options and the need for financial
assistance to private providers. She referred to the volunteer
resources available and urged that this type of service be explored
further. She noted that included among the proposed cuts in the
Probation Department budget were the termination of the contracts
with Sherman House and LaCheim School. She urged the Board to
reconsider such action, as those facilities provide critical
services to run-aways and disturbed youth.
Supervisor Nancy Fanden commented on the need to begin
now to establish a liaison with the City of Martinez and the
neighborhood surrounding Juvenile Hall in order to work together on
the planning of a new juvenile facility. She requested a report on
how much acreage is available for expansion in the area.
Supervisor Tom Torlakson agreed, and noted that a
liaison with the Mayors ' Conference should also be established. He
advised that there is a proposed ballot measure for funding the
construction of juvenile facilities but that it did not address the
staffing of such facilities. Supervisor Torlakson referred to the
Trial Court Funding revenue which goes to various cities in the
County and stated that juvenile services should be looked at as a
Countywide issue.
Supervisor Sunne McPeak commented on the volunteer
painting project at Juvenile Hall, and noted that there is a need
to expand that type of involvement by the private sector.
Supervisor Robert Schroder expressed concern about
cutting non-mandated services such as Sherman House, stating that
he believes such services are absolutely essential to prevent the
need for increased mandated services.
Supervisor Tom Powers commented on a pilot program in
Los Angeles County relative to the handling of juvenile offenders,
in which youth are dealt with in a more significant way on the
first offense, providing an understanding of the consequences of
anti-social behavior. He noted that such a program could be the
beginning of a prevention program, and requested that staff explore
the possibility of obtaining grant funding for such a pilot
program.
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Supervisor Tom Torlakson requested that staff review
what may be available in the way of grants or private funding for
alcohol and drug treatment and prevention programs.
Board members being in agreement, IT IS ORDERED that the
following actions are APPROVED:
1. ACKNOWLEDGED presentation on proposed cuts in the
Probation Department by Natalie Russell, representing
the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
Commission; and
2 . DIRECTED County Administrator to respond on August 15,
1989 on the following issues:
A. Establishing a liaison with the City of Martinez and
the neighborhood surrounding the Juvenile facilities;
B. Report on size of the parcel for children' s services
and what remains that can be developed;
C. Holding workshops with members of the Bench to
discuss use of Trial Court Funding for juvenile
facilities;
D. The feasibility of a pilot project dealing with
young offenders; and
E. The possibility of private funding for alcohol and
drug treatment and prevention programs.
cc: County Administrator 1 hereby certify that this Is a true and correct copy of
Probation Officer an action taken end entered on the minutes of the
Health Services Director Board of supertieorsG�hown.
ATrESTM. i, /989
PHIL BATC OR,r1ork of the Board
of 6upppav1sors and County Administrator
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BY .M L aoCc -a'oJ ,Deputy
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