Today marked yet another disappointing outcome regarding the state of Los Angeles County’s juvenile halls. A judge decided not to place the County’s Probation Department under receivership. While a receivership would have brought its own uncertainties, namely who would be appointed as the receiver, it was an opportunity to finally break the status quo and take action to create better conditions for incarcerated youth. 

The decision shows just how committed our judicial and legislative leaders are to maintaining a dysfunctional system that we know doesn’t work. Over the years, the Probation Department has exposed young people to horrific and illegal conditions that have caused serious harm — including the use of pepper spray even after it was banned, promoting youth-on-youth violence through so-called “gladiator fights,” and fostering environments that contributed to multiple youth overdoses. Further, LA County is set to payout $4 billion in lawsuit settlements — the largest in U.S. history — due in part to Probation’s abuse of young people. 

It’s long past time to act with urgency to protect our youth.

What was today’s hearing about?

In January 2021, California’s Attorney General filed a case against LA County and the Probation Department for harmful and illegal conditions inside county juvenile halls. After the case was filed, the County and the Attorney General’s office entered into a settlement agreement to improve conditions — this included improving staffing ratios, use of force practices, and access to education and medical care. Over the last four years, the Probation Department has failed to meet the conditions of the settlement agreement. 

Those who have been following the situation might remember that in December 2024, the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) found Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall out of compliance with minimum suitability standards and the facility has been operating unlawfully ever since. 

In July of this year, the Attorney General asked the court to grant receivership over the county’s juvenile halls, which would give a receiver — rather than the Chief Probation Officer or the County — the power and authority to improve conditions.

Why did the judge deny receivership? 

Ultimately, the judge stated that he needed more information and evidence to understand what was going on in the case. Two upcoming evidentiary hearings were scheduled for October 24th and November 7th. At the hearings, the judge will hear from witnesses on three areas the court identified as priorities: 1) staffing, 2) data management, and 3) use of force. 

So, what can we do?

Stay engaged and stay informed!

We can’t lose sight of the fact that we’re talking about the immediate health and well-being of children. This is not just about a court decision and a series of hearings — it’s about real, individual young lives. 

While today’s decision was disappointing, we continue to fight. Community organizations from LAYUP and the Liberation Fund showed up to the hearing to bear witness, be in community, and remind our leaders that: we keep us safe. 

LA County has shown us time and again that it can’t adequately care for our young people. But we know that communities can create long lasting transformational change. We already have a roadmap — it’s called Youth Justice Reimagined. 

As the case develops, we will continue to share updates, resources, and ways to support. To stay in touch, sign the Peace Pledge and follow UPI and LAYUP on Instagram.