Thursday morning’s Farrell hearing did not reach a decision. The purpose of the hearing was to consider the Prison Law Office’s (plaintiff) motion to hold DJF (defendant) in contempt of court for the unconstitutional levels of care provided to youth at Ventura Youth Correctional Facility (VYCF). The allegations against DJF are strong, as cited in previous CJCJ blogs , and after continued failure to comply with the court orders, the Prison Law Office decided to pursue a more forceful…
The Department of Juvenile Facilities (DJF) has responded to the Prison Law Office’s allegations stating that Ventura Youth Correctional Facility (VYCF) is in fact providing adequate educational and therapeutic services and proper out-of-cell time to the youth detained in their facilities. The state agency’s explanation of remedies appears to be insufficient in order to create a therapeutic and rehabilitative environment for youth in their care and custody. This is the latest action from the…
It is the responsibility of the state to “provide juveniles sentenced to life a ‘meaningful opportunity for release,’ ” according to the 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Graham v. Florida . In California, there is no such “meaningful opportunity” as of yet. Youth, under the age of 18, committed for 1st degree murder in California can be sentenced to Life Without Parole (LWOP), without ever having the possibility to petition for their parole. Recognizing the fact that these can minors spend…
Blog Jun 23, 2011
Will federal funding give reentry another chance?
On Monday, June 20, 2011 Senator Rob Portman (R‑Ohio) and Senator Patrick Leahy (D‑Vermont) introduced legislation to extend aspects of the Second Chance Act first passed in 2007. The Second Chance Act Reauthorization Bill is scheduled for Senate Judiciary Committee consideration on Thursday, June 23, 2011. The Reauthorization Bill will improve public safety and improve outcomes for individuals returning to communities from prisons and jails. It is imperative during our economic crisis that…
The most recent evidence of California’s Division of Juvenile Facilities’ (DJF) continued failure is documented in a report highlighting the State’s inability to provide sufficient programming to youth in need of sexual behavior treatment (SBTP). Audits of the three facilities with SBTP programs occurred September 2010 through February 2011. As a result, SBTP expert, Barbara Schwartz, found serious deficiencies in core aspects of the program, despite improvement in many compliance items…