“Unsuitable” is a word often associated with Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. This facility in Downey California has faced repeated scrutiny. It’s been declared unsuitable for the confinement of youth.
Los Padrinos first opened its doors in 1957. It became the second oldest juvenile hall in Los Angeles County. The facility served as a temporary holding place. Children awaited court proceedings here. Los Padrinos was overseen by the Los Angeles County Probation Department. Besides the detention center there was a juvenile court.
A $36 million expansion nearly tripled the occupancy. It allowed for two new housing facilities. After the expansion, Los Padrinos could hold about 500 incarcerated juveniles. Their ages ranged from 12 to 18. The population was primarily male. Females comprised only 15% and resided separately.
In 1998, a Grand Jury audit assessed Los Padrinos’ physical condition. The audit determined whether the county had allocated sufficient resources. It also looked at maintenance and future needs. The audit revealed that Los Padrinos was aging. It had experienced years of unfunded maintenance. The Grand Jury suggested repairs and improvements.
Despite these challenges, Los Padrinos continued operating. It faced mixed success and challenges related to juvenile incarceration. After nearly six decades, Los Padrinos closed in the summer of 2019.
But Los Padrinos was reopened. The same problems that closed other facilities reappeared here. The Board of State and Community Corrections ordered Los Padrinos to close in February 2024. The facility lacked enough staff to ensure safety and provide legally required services. The county reassigned field officers to temporarily boost numbers.
The turnaround was short-lived. By June, many employees were on leave. The constant call-outs stemmed from safety concerns. Employees feared being held over for additional shifts.
In July, nearly 20% of shifts failed to meet minimum staffing. Understaffing caused youth to arrive late to school. They missed recreational activities. They were confined to their rooms for excessive periods. Teachers expressed safety concerns. They refused to return.
The BSCC began a comprehensive inspection. It declared Los Padrinos “unsuitable” again. The county failed to develop a sufficient plan to address staffing shortages. The Downey facility needed to be emptied.
A judge spared Los Padrinos from immediate closure. He cited a lack of alternatives for housing the youths. Most youths were between 15 and 18. Some were younger. The county argued closing the facility would increase chaos. They said it would do little to solve staffing issues.
The Probation Department claimed improvements in staffing. They included standby pay and a recruiting campaign. Critics argued the county had years to correct deficiencies. They shouldn’t continue housing youth in substandard conditions.
Los Padrinos’ story reflects the ongoing struggle. It highlights the challenges of juvenile detention. It also shows the need for effective solutions and proper care. The lives of young people hang in the balance.