[California] Los Angeles County Probation Camps: Investigation 

On October 31, 2008, the Department of Justice released their findings report after an investigation into the Los Angeles County Probation Camps (“the Camps”). The DOJ found that “[y]outh residing in Los Angeles County’s Camps are not adequately protected from harm . . . and the County fails to provide adequate suicide prevention and mental health care to youth.” The DOJ investigation and findings report outline seven areas in which the Camps failed to protect youth from harm: “(1) failure to protect youth from harm by staff, including failure to protect youth from use of excessive force by staff, excessive and inappropriate use of Oleoresin Capsicum (“OC”) spray, and staff misconduct at Camp Holton; (2) failure to protect youth from harm by other youth; (3) failure to provide adequate staffing; (4) failure to provide adequate staff training; (5) failure to adequately investigate allegations of abuse; (6) failure to provide an adequate classification system; and (7) failure to provide an adequate grievance process.” Based on these findings, the DOJ made several recommendations for minimum remedial measures necessary to protect youth from harm.

Related Actions:
[California] Los Angeles County Probation Camps: Settlement Agreement
[California] Los Angeles County Probation Camps: First Amended Settlement Agreement
[California] Los Angeles County Probation Camps: Second Amended Settlement Agreement