September 8, 2000
AGENDA: September 26, 2000
Board of Supervisors
County of Santa Cruz
701 Ocean Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
Response to the 1999-00 Grand Jury Report
Dear Members of the Board:
Attached for your approval are the proposed responses to the recommendations contained in the
1999-00 Final Report from the Civil Grand Jury pertaining to matters under the control of the Board
of Supervisors. The response also constitutes the required response of the County Administrative
Officer and various County Departments to the Grand Jury's recommendations.
The Grand Jury requires that when findings or recommendations deal with budgetary or personnel matters of a county department headed by an elected officer, both the elected officer and the Board of Supervisors must respond. The Sheriff-Coroner is required to respond separately to the 1999-2000 Grand Jury report. A copy of the Sheriff-Coroner's response has been submitted to the Presiding Judge of the Grand Jury under separate cover and is attached for your Board's information.
As your Board is aware, recent legislation, the Civil Grand Jury Training, Communication, and
Efficiency Act of 1997, provided for certain modifications relating to grand juror response format.
The format of this response is in compliance with those modifications.
IT IS THEREFORE RECOMMENDED THAT YOUR BOARD approve the attached response to
the recommendations in the 1999-00 Grand Jury Final Report and request the Chairperson to forward
the response to the Presiding Judge.
Very truly yours,
Susan A. Mauriello
County Administrative Officer
cc: Dave Moeller, Agriculture Commissioner Cecilia Espinola, HRA Administrator
Rama Khalsa, HSA Administrator Mark Tracy, Sheriff
Alvin James, Planning Department John Rhoads, Probation Department
Attachment: Sheriff's Response
Santa Cruz County
Board of Supervisors
Response to 1999-00 Grand Jury Report
September 26, 2000
Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors
Response to 1999-00 Grand Jury Report
Table of Contents
Blaine Street 1
Main Jail: Water Street Facility 4
Rountree Medium Security Detention Facility 7
Juvenile Hall 10
Adult, Family, and Children's Services 13
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission 17
River Street Shelter 20
Triad 21
Water Issues 23
Prevention 24
Enforcement 29
Treatment 33
Coordination 36
Blaine Street
Grand Jury Final Report, Page 8
The County agrees with the Grand Jury findings with the exceptions noted below.
Grand Jury Findings
"The facility has four housing units that contain a total of 22 double-bunked rooms. Each room has a desk, bulletin board and small lockers for personal items. There are three sinks, a toilet and shower in each housing unit. Recreation, exercise, crafts and library/classroom areas are also in the facility. Using a small modern kitchen, the women prepare meals with food components supplied by the Main Jail facility. The Health Services Agency (HSA) of Santa Cruz County generates all menus.
The facility has several areas of high security risk. Fencing is minimal and the facility is open to the street. The parking lot creates the risk of trespassing, smuggling and loitering. Since 1997, three video surveillance cameras and split-screen monitors have been installed. A lack of funding has delayed installation of the remaining video equipment already purchased. Installation of a generator was accomplished in August as approved by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors in compliance with California Government Code."
County Response: The County does not agree with the finding that the Blaine Street facility has areas of high security risk. The Blaine Street Women's Facility is classified as a Minimum Security facility. The County has implemented various security improvements requested by the Sheriff, including the installation of surveillance cameras, additional exterior security cameras, an intercom and an electronic lock on the rear gate. The County believes that the current security level of the facility is satisfactory.
Grand Jury Findings
"Inmates have structured work assignments or jobs within the facility. They are responsible for all maintenance and cleaning. The facility is well maintained and very clean. There are several work-furlough inmates housed at the facility. During the day, the Probation Department is responsible for the supervision of these inmates at their work sites within the community. The inmates report back to Blaine Street at the end of their work shift.
Inmate population primarily consists of drug and alcohol offenders. Four years ago, substance abuse counseling was made available. Random drug testing is conducted on about 20 inmates a month. An inmate must be drug and alcohol free while in this facility. Detoxification is only available at the Main Jail.
Since 1996, the Board of Supervisors has closely monitored the number of educational and vocational programs offered to inmates at the facility. Due to signs of unbalanced numbers of courses offered to female inmates when compared to courses offered at the male Rountree facility, the Detention Bureau was charged with determining the needs of Blaine Street inmates and to implement programs accordingly. The Blaine Street facility presently offers classes that effectively assist female inmates. Current and former inmates attribute their determination to succeed and success when released from custody to the many programs offered at the facility. Courses include: Pajaro Valley Prevention and Substance Abuse; Parenting and Education; Job and Career Development; General Education Degree (GED) and computer lab; Getting Out and Staying Out; and art.
Visitation is once a week for two hours per inmate, either on Saturday or Sunday. Visits take place in the dining and patio areas. A Visiting Request Log must be submitted to the duty officer two days prior to visiting day for up to two adult visitors and any number of children. The Detention Officer on duty screens visitors prior to visitation.
There is minimal access to medical services at the facility. A nurse conducts daily morning visits to the facility. The Detention Officer on duty distributes non-narcotic and non-psychiatric medications, and under supervision, inmates administer their own medications. Other medical needs are met by an individual medical response or by the inmate being escorted to the Main Jail where more extensive medical services are available."
County Response: The County does not agree with the finding that there is minimal access to medical services at the facility. In addition to the daily nurse visits, medical services are readily available at the Main Jail adjacent to the facility. Blaine Street inmates can be escorted to the Main Jail Clinic in just a few minutes, and nurses at the Main Jail can respond to Blaine Street very quickly if needed.
Grand Jury Findings
"Staff consists of one assigned Supervising Detention Officer and two Detention Officer positions assigned on a rotating basis from the Main Jail staff. Scheduling does not allow for more than one officer on duty at any given time, unless the Supervising Detention Officer is on site. During evenings and on weekends, only one officer is on duty for the entire facility. A single staff member may not effectively monitor inmate safety and conduct and still provide services necessary to efficiently operate the facility."
County Response: The County does not agree with the findings related to the sufficiency of staffing levels at Blaine Street. The accepted ratio of officers to inmates at this type of facility is one officer for fifty/sixty inmates. This ratio is used for the direct supervision units at the Medium and Minimum Security Rountree facilities as well as the Blaine Street facility. The County believes that the existing staffing level is sufficient to effectively and safely manage the facility.
Grand Jury Findings
"Staff turnover remains high. Sixty staff persons have left in the last three years with a high percentage of the Detention Officers becoming Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Deputies. The starting salary for a Detention Officer is $15.22 per hour plus benefits. It costs Santa Cruz County approximately $17,000 to train a new Detention Officer. Instruction involves 12 weeks of in-house training, which includes job shadowing, followed by four weeks at a Correctional Academy."
"Recommendation 1. Staff positions to full complement to provide relief for vacations, training and illness."
County Response: This recommendation is being implemented. The County Personnel Department is working with the Sheriff's Office and has developed expedited and enhanced recruiting and testing strategies to address this issue which includes on the spot testing each work day from 8 am until 5 pm.
"Recommendation 2. Fund additional bilingual Detention Officers."
County Response: This recommendation is being implemented. Of the ten Detention Officers hired during the past year, 50% were Spanish speakers. The County and the Sheriff's Office are committed to recruiting bi-lingual and bi-cultural officers.
"Recommendation 3. Provide a bonus program to enhance pay and benefits to ease the attrition rate."
County Response: Pay and benefit issues are mandatory subjects of bargaining. The County and the various unions are currently in negotiation on these issues.
"Recommendation 4. Establish a competitive salary schedule for the Sheriff-Coroner's Office, in line with other Central Coast counties."
County Response: Pay and benefit issues are mandatory subjects of bargaining. The County and the various unions are currently in negotiation on these issues. The County does conduct total compensation reviews based on nine comparable counties which include Monterey, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Fresno, Solano, Napa, Marin, and Sonoma.
Main Jail: Water Street Facility
Grand Jury Final Report, Page 11
The County agrees with the Grand Jury findings with the exceptions noted below.
Grand Jury Findings
"The Santa Cruz County detention system includes the Main Jail, the Blaine Street Facility for Women in the City of Santa Cruz, and the Rountree Medium and Minimum Detention Facilities in the South County near Watsonville. The California State Board of Corrections conducts inspections of the facilities biannually.
The Main Jail operates on a $13 million budget. The County is reimbursed $8 million from internally generated revenues, federal and state funding and from grants. It costs $55 a day to house and feed an inmate.
Improvements were made to the facility using a $990,000 grant from the State Board of Corrections to upgrade the electronic security system. The new programmable logic control system allows remote shutdown of the facilities. Utilizing a $170,000 grant, improvements to enhance the housing area showers and visiting areas will be completed in spring 2000."
County Response: The County agrees with this finding, with the clarification that the actual amount of the first grant from the Board of Corrections for the security electronics project at the Main Jail was $995,550. The County provided a $110,617 in matching funds for a total cost of $1,106,167. The second Board of Corrections grant of $173,556 will be used to make various improvements and add showers in various housing units, visiting rooms, and to expand the dayroom area for selected units.
Grand Jury Findings
"There is a fully-equipped courtroom on the premises that is underutilized. A law library is also available to inmates. The facility's computer room is not being utilized because of lack of staffing to supervise its use. In the past, there has been misuse of computers by inmates."
County Response: The County partially agrees with this finding. The Court has jurisdiction regarding the deployment of judicial resources, and the County believes that the Court plans to initiate full-time criminal proceedings at the Main Jail in 2001. It is also noted that there is no computer room at the Main Jail.
Grand Jury Findings
"Drug and alcohol abuse remain the leading crimes involving incarcerated inmates. Officers continue to use breath analyzers to obtain more accurate readings on Driving Under Influence offenders during booking. A growing proportion of arrestees are younger and more violent. There is a presence of prison-based gangs, and suspected gang members are segregated into different housing areas. The Main Jail houses inmates incarcerated for serious and violent crimes. It is also a holding facility for inmates awaiting trial. Inmates considered a "suicide risk" are also confined here. Male and female inmates are confined in separate housing areas with an average incarceration stay of 20 days. The Sheriff's Deputies and Detention Officers do not carry firearms. The facility has 400 bunks and the average daily population in 1999 in the Main Jail facility was 300. The average daily population at all detention facilities was 600. The Sheriff's Office instituted a wrist and photo identification system for all inmates in 1998."
County Response: The average daily population for the Main Jail in 1999 was 323 inmates. The total average daily population for all detention facilities was 582.
Grand Jury Findings
"Kitchen facilities are adequate and inmates are fed in their housing areas rather than in a central area. It costs $1 million a year to feed the inmate population, averaging $1.00 per meal. The Health Services Agency (HSA) oversees and supervises the daily menu for inmates.
The Main Jail has not experienced a successful escape in a number of years. The Main Jail population increases during the summer months and decreases during the winter months. Inmates can remain in the jail for up to one year. Female inmates housed at Main Jail comprise about 8 percent of the total inmate population at all facilities.
HSA is contracted to operate a 24-hour clinic on site. It is not an infirmary. The local hospital will not accept mentally ill persons who have been charged with a crime.
Staffing currently averages 117 correctional officers at the four county detention facilities. The staff at the Main Jail includes a Lieutenant, Sheriff's Deputies, Detention Officers, Mental Health Officers, and a medical team consisting of a physician, dentist and nurse. Detention Officers face a range of issues on a daily basis: contagious disease control (hepatitis, tuberculosis and HIV); suicide attempts, especially by drug users and third-strike inmates; contraband drugs, tobacco, and handcuff keys; and, attempted escapes, primarily when inmates are transferred from the jail to the Government Center and vice-versa.
Staff turnover remains high. Sixty staff persons have left in the last three years with a high percentage of the Detention Officers becoming Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Deputies. The starting salary for a Detention Officer is $15.22 per hour plus benefits. It costs Santa Cruz County approximately $17,000 to train a new Detention Officer. Officer preparation includes 12 weeks of in-house training, which includes job shadowing, followed by four weeks spent at a Correctional Academy."
"Recommendation 1. Staff positions to full complement to provide relief for vacations, training and illness."
County Response: This recommendation is being implemented. The County Personnel Department is working with the Sheriff's Office and has developed enhanced recruiting and testing strategies to address this issue.
"Recommendation 2. Fund additional bilingual Detention Officers."
County Response: This recommendation has been implemented. Of the ten Detention Officers hired during the past year, 50% were Spanish speakers. The County and the Sheriff's Office are committed to recruiting bi-lingual and bi-cultural officers.
"Recommendation 3. Provide a bonus program to enhance pay and benefits to ease the attrition rate."
County Response: Pay and benefit issues are mandatory subjects of bargaining. The County and the various unions are currently in negotiation on these issues.
"Recommendation 4. Establish a competitive salary schedule for the Sheriff-Coroner's Office, in line with other Central Coast counties."
County Response: Pay and benefit issues are mandatory subjects of bargaining. The
County and the various unions are currently in negotiation on these issues. The County does
conduct total compensation reviews based on nine comparable counties which include
Monterey, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Fresno, Solano, Napa, Marin, and Sonoma.
Rountree Medium Security Detention Facility
Grand Jury Final Report, Page 17
The County agrees with the Grand Jury findings.
Grand Jury Findings
"Placement of male inmates at the medium security facility is determined at the Main Jail.
Detention/Classification officers are responsible for handling the disciplinary actions, and have the ability to reclassify inmates as warranted. Classification at this complex is ongoing and helps facilitate inmate movement between the three detention facilities (Main Jail, Medium Security and Minimum Security).
This facility provides needed overcrowding relief for the Main Jail. The average length of stay is 90 to 120 days and the maximum length of stay is up to 365 days. To be eligible for this facility, inmates must qualify based on a point system at the Main Jail. Inmates who receive fewer than five points are housed at the minimum facility while those who have received five or more points are housed at the medium facility. After serving their sentences, illegal aliens are held for a maximum of 48 hours and then released if not taken into custody by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
The Rountree facility is rated by the State Board of Corrections to house 96 inmates. There are two separate dormitory-style housing units. Funding and staffing to open the second housing unit was approved by the Board of Supervisors in 1998, and the unit opened in February 1999. Each unit consists of six sleeping bays and one bay is used as a television area. Each unit has a common-use toilet/shower area and a small meeting room. Visitor rooms are available, but only by appointment. The Medium Security Detention Facility is self-contained with its own generator and is supplied by well water. The facility has a septic tank for sewage.
A Detention Officer's station is located in each housing unit with a central monitoring system, enabling direct supervision 24 hours a day. The nurse's station is staffed by a Registered Nurse and provides medical services for inmates four hours in the morning and four hours in the afternoon for a total of 40 hours a week. The Board of Supervisors funded the nurse's position in 1998 and the position was filled in 1999. There are three examination rooms available for use.
Classrooms are available for inmates to study and participate in programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, HIV Class, English as a Second Language, Substance Abuse, Job Skills, and Bible Study. A law library is also available to inmates. Instruction is provided by a number of agencies, including the Pajaro Valley Unified School District's Adult Education program and Santa Cruz County Office of Education's Regional Occupational Program. Inmates are required to attend classes and can earn certificates for completing these programs. Some programs offer graduation ceremonies at the facility.
All meals for the medium and minimum facilities are prepared in the state-of-the-art stainless steel kitchen at the medium facility. Inmates in the minimum facility taking classes in food preparation assist in preparing meals. The meals appear to be well balanced. The food services staff has a barbecue pit for cooking use if the power is lost. The kitchen floor is worn and needs replacement. The Board of Supervisors has approved funding to replace the floor, which has yet to be completed. Inmates have structured chores and are responsible for all janitorial and landscaping services. The facility is exceptionally clean and well maintained.
Staffing currently averages 117 correctional officers at the four county detention facilities. The staff at the Main Jail includes a Lieutenant, Sheriff's Deputies, Detention Officers, Mental Health Officers, and a medical team consisting of a physician, dentist and nurse. Detention Officers face a range of issues on a daily basis: contagious disease control (hepatitis, tuberculosis and HIV); suicide attempts, especially by drug users and third-strike inmates; contraband drugs, tobacco, and handcuff keys; and, attempted escapes, primarily when inmates are transferred from the jail to the Government Center and vice-versa.
Staff turnover remains high. Sixty staff persons have left in the last three years with a high percentage of the Detention Officers becoming Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Deputies. The starting salary for a Detention Officer is $15.22 per hour plus benefits. It costs Santa Cruz County approximately $17,000 to train a new Detention Officer. Officer preparation includes 12 weeks of in-house training, which includes job shadowing, followed by four weeks spent at a Correctional Academy."
"Recommendation 1. Replace worn flooring in kitchen. Funding has been approved."
County Response: This recommendation has been implemented and will completed by the end of the calendar year.
"Recommendation 2. Staff positions to full complement to provide relief for vacations, training and illness."
County Response: This recommendation is being implemented. The County Personnel Department is working with the Sheriff's Office and has developed enhanced recruiting and testing strategies to address this issue.
"Recommendation 3. Fund additional bilingual Correctional Officers."
County Response: This recommendation is being implemented. Of the ten Correctional Officers hired during the past year, 50% were Spanish speakers. The County and the Sheriff's Office are committed to recruiting bi-lingual and bi-cultural officers.
"Recommendation 4. Provide a bonus program to enhance pay and benefits to ease the attrition rate."
County Response: Pay and benefit issues are mandatory subjects of bargaining. The County and the various unions are currently in negotiation on these issues.
"Recommendation 5. Establish a competitive salary schedule for the Sheriff-Coroner's Office, in line with other Central Coast counties."
County Response: Pay and benefit issues are mandatory subjects of bargaining. The
County and the various unions are currently in negotiation on these issues. The County does
conduct total compensation reviews based on nine comparable counties which include
Monterey, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Fresno, Solano, Napa, Marin, and Sonoma.
Juvenile Hall
Grand Jury Final Report, Page 11
The County agrees with the Grand Jury findings with the clarifications noted below.
Grand Jury Findings
"Youths in the Santa Cruz County Juvenile Justice System suffer from a high rate of gang involvement and heroin use as compared to other communities in California. In recognition of these problems, Santa Cruz County participates as one of 12 state-funded gang violence suppression projects. With the ward population growing and gang tension increasing, the need to solve the crowding and gang problems became a major concern for those working within the Juvenile Hall system. For several years the community and county government addressed the issue of overcrowding. A classification system for the youths was developed in 1995 and it is working well given the facility's space limitations.
Santa Cruz County Juvenile Hall has become a "neutral zone" for juvenile gangs. The wards of the Court recognize Juvenile Hall as a place where they are safe from gang attacks and recruitment. Graffiti is controlled, fights are at a minimum and staff normally feels safe. The Juvenile Hall facility provides youths the opportunities to learn valuable life skills, earn a high school diploma, begin the journey of self-development, and discover an awareness of the harm they have done to their families, communities and victims.
The average population in 1999-2000 was 38.8 youths. The population ages range from 12 to 18 and are divided into the two units. In "A" unit are the older, more sophisticated boys who have committed more serious crimes, and "B" unit houses girls and younger boys. All rooms are single, though at times of overcrowding, residents double up with one sleeping on a mat on the floor. The rooms are small with a sink and drinking fountain. Each room is illuminated all night with a four-watt bulb. In 1995, a courtroom was added to the facility. Youths follow a daily schedule that begins with wake-up at 6 a.m., breakfast and start of classes at 8:30 a.m., lunch at noon, and classes ending around 2:45 p.m. Scheduled activities in "A" and "B" unit are from 3 to 4:30 p.m., dinner is 5 p.m. with evening hours dedicated to sports, board games and church groups. Youths return to their rooms with lights out by 9:30 p.m. It costs $1.65 per day to feed the youths breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals are supervised by the County Health Services Agency. Visiting days are Tuesdays and Saturdays for one unit, and Wednesdays and Sundays for the other unit.
Even though the facility is nearly 30 years old, it has a fresh, clean appearance. The biggest problem staff faces is finding the space and time to implement all of the programs they would like to offer. Educational and recreational programming is interesting and relevant and not just a means by which to keep the youths busy. Implementation of the classification system has allowed the facility to be much more flexible and creative in the types of activities presented to the youths. Because of the system, the youths are able to leave the facility to use an adjacent County park baseball diamond for recreation and to use the large recreation areas outside the secure courtyard to play volleyball. These areas were completely unused for several years prior to classification.
The "gang free zone" philosophy has allowed Juvenile Hall, with the cooperation of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, to depart from a "one room schoolhouse" approach to a station-teaching approach. This resembles a regular high school where students move from one classroom to another for different subjects, greatly enhancing the education program. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits the program. The education program has helped improve the use of the facility and strengthen the staff. The General Education Diploma (GED) program began three years ago and youths are allowed to graduate from "Hartman School." It is a very special event when a youth graduates from the Juvenile Hall school.
The staff includes ten men and seven women; nine are bilingual, while eight have worked at the facility less than one year. The starting pay is $12 per hour and there is constant turnover. Two Senior Group Supervisors are responsible for the daily programming for each of the units. Their duties include developing a weekly calendar of programs for each unit. The supervisors are responsible for inviting and arranging guest speakers, musical groups, and play productions. Programs have been expanded to include meditation, yoga, instruction by a chess instructor, writing classes, victim awareness, anger management, job readiness, Planned Parenthood discussions, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.
The facility has nine infrastructure improvements planned at a cost of $818,000. Santa Cruz County is allocating $700,000. The remaining $118,000, will be allocated from County resources. Future projects include a 1,050-square foot medical unit near the "A" unit with a separate examination room, restroom and mental health area; shower room renovation; changes in the direction of the swing of room doors to allow for Port-A-Bunks; improved security fencing near the Redwoods mental health facility; replacement of all lighting; removal and replacement of floor tiles containing asbestos; and, replacement of hot and cold water pipes."
County Response: The Board of Supervisors has allocated $700,000 for facility improvements and would need to consider any additional allocation upon presentation of a recommendation by the Probation Department.
Grand Jury Findings
"Medical staff is available 11 hours per day, 77 hours per week for nursing and 64 hours per week of mental health staffing. The facility will not accept youths with serious medical conditions. A substance abuse specialist will join the staff in 2000."
"Recommendation 1. Staff positions to full complement to provide relief for vacations, training and illness."
County Response: This recommendation has been implemented. The current staffing by 17 Group Supervisors and extra-help positions provides five Group Supervisors on each of the day and swing shifts, and one Group Supervisor on each unit during the graveyard shift. This staffing pattern complies with State Standards. The County will continue to monitor population levels to ensure that State Standards are being maintained.
"Recommendation 2. Provide a bonus program to enhance pay and benefits to ease the attrition rate."
County Response: Pay and benefit issues are mandatory subjects of bargaining. The County and the various unions are currently in negotiation on these issues. The department continues to work with the Personnel Department to ensure that sufficient staffing is available to maintain necessary staffing levels.
"Recommendation 3. Establish a competitive salary schedule for the County Probation Department Juvenile Hall staff, in line with other Central Coast counties."
County Response: Pay and benefit issues are mandatory subjects of bargaining. Recent contract negotiations resulted in an equity adjustment for Probation Department staff. The County conducts total compensation reviews based on nine comparable counties which include Monterey, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Fresno, Solano, Napa, Marin, and Sonoma.
"Recommendation 4. Fund construction of an indoor gymnasium."
County Response: This recommendation has not been implemented due to lack of available funding. However, funds from the State for renovation and construction of Juvenile Detention facilities may be available in the upcoming year, at which time the opportunity will be submitted for the Board of Supervisors' consideration.
"Recommendation 5. Fund 24-hour nursing staff."
County Response: This recommendation has not be implemented, but will be considered as part of the 2000-01 County budget process. Medical staff are currently available twelve hours per day, seven days per week. The Probation Department and the Health Services Agency will complete a feasibility study during the next six months to determine whether additional medical staff is warranted. Laura Garnette, Assistant Superintendent, will act as lead person on this study. The results of the study will be used in preparing the Proposed Budget for submittal to the Board of Supervisors.
Adult, Family, and Children's Services
Grand Jury Final Report, Page 25
The County agrees with the Grand Jury findings with the exceptions and clarifications noted below. It is also noted that, in the Grand Jury's background section, some of the persons who met with the Grand Jury are incorrectly identified. The Grand Jury interviewed the County Administrative Officer, the Human Resources Agency Administrator, the Adult, Family and Children's Services Division Director and members of the staff including two Program Managers for Child Welfare Services.
Grand Jury Findings
"Child welfare services in California are administered under Federal and State mandates and County procedural requirements. In combination, these layers of governmental oversight set standards and impose compliance and reporting requirements. Children come into the care of CWS following the investigation of a report of parental neglect or abuse. The child is placed in a foster home while the parents receive services to help them reunify with the child. If the parents are unable to attain the goals set for reunification within the time specified, parental rights are terminated and the court designates a special advocate who will monitor the child's care. The child becomes the administrative responsibility of the Permanency-Planning Unit of CWS. The child will be placed in a relative's home, an adoptive home or a long-term foster care home."
County Response: The County would like to provide clarification to the Grand Jury's finding that "Children come into the care of CWS following the investigation of a report of parental neglect or abuse. The child is placed in a foster home while the parents receive services to help them reunify with the child." It is important to note that investigations of neglect or abuse do not always lead to out-of-home placement. In FY 99-00, 3,300 children received an in-person investigation, but only 175 of these children were placed in out-of-home care. The department determined that the remainder of these children could remain safely in their parents' homes with crisis intervention and brief services, or with longer term in-home supervision services.
The County would also like to provide clarification to the Grand Jury's finding that "If the parents are unable to attain the goals set for reunification within the time specified, parental rights are terminated and the court designates a special advocate who will monitor the child's care." First, if parents do not attain the goals set for reunification, parental rights are terminated only if the agency is able to place the child for adoption. If there are significant obstacles to adoption which make this impossible, the child is placed in the most permanent situation available, which may be guardianship or long-term foster care. Placement is made with a relative if an appropriate relative can be found. If the permanent plan is guardianship or long-term foster care rather than adoption, parental rights are not terminated as this would make the child a legal orphan. In addition, the report implies that a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is appointed only after parental rights are terminated. In fact, the court may appoint a CASA at any time after the filing of a petition. The role of a CASA is not to monitor the child's care, but to provide support and advocacy for the child throughout his or her involvement in the Child Welfare system.
Grand Jury Findings
"Up to 80% of CWS cases have drug or alcohol problems at the root. In the current fiscal year, 300 children are in foster homes. Of these 300 children, 40% may be reunified with their families. Sixty percent will receive Permanency Planning Services. Permanent arrangements include adoption for about 30%, foster homes with guardianship status for 25%, and long-term foster care for the remaining 45%.
For any given child, these arrangements are not always stable. Sixteen percent of the children reunified with parents are returned to foster care. Twenty percent of the children in foster homes require yet another placement. Nine percent of the children placed in the home of a relative are returned to be cared for in a foster home. Subsequent placement into foster homes is necessary when family situations deteriorate, when foster parents become unable or unwilling to continue to care for a child, when relatives find they are unable to continue to keep the child, or when adoptive placements cannot be sustained.
All children "age out" of child welfare services at age 18. They are no longer eligible for health, mental health or other County services. Many of them find themselves homeless. Studies have shown that within two to five years of "aging out", fewer than 50% have completed high school, 25% have suffered homelessness, fewer than 50% are employed, 60% of the young women have given birth, and less than 20% are completely self-supporting."
County Response: The County would like to provide additional clarification to the Grand Jury's finding that when children "age out" of foster care at age 18, "they are no longer eligible for health, mental health, or other County services." This is not necessarily the case. If a youth has not yet graduated from high school, his or her dependency and the associated services, continue until age 19. Furthermore, new legislation (effective October 1, 2000) enables former foster youth to remain eligible for Medi-Cal funded health and mental health services until age 21. After the 21st birthday, the young adult may continue to quality for health, mental health, and other County services by meeting the income eligibility requirements for these services.
Grand Jury Findings
"Improved services are being developed and funded at the State and Federal level. At the State level, Proposition 10 (tobacco money) will fund community-based nonprofit organizations, some of which are already collaborating with the County Adult, Family and Children's Services program. These new services include New Families, Inc., which will place infants and toddlers in stable foster homes while parents are completing court-ordered treatment programs. The agency, Options for Recovery provides respite care and other services for caregivers of infants and toddlers who were prenatally exposed to alcohol or drugs or who test HIV-positive.
Federal legislation, the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 (HR3443), will provide additional funding to states and require services for foster youth be continued until at least age 21. Further support is possible to help with living expenses for teenagers to complete education plans and for job-skills training. Transitional living programs will be increased to fund local, community-based programs for residential care, life-skills training, and other support services to homeless adolescents. Medicaid eligibility can also be continued at the individual state's option. Financial assistance to support adoptions, including tax credits for adopting families, is also covered in the legislation."
"Recommendation 1: Continue efforts to reduce a child's exposure to the ill effects of multiple foster home placements."
County Response: This recommendation has been implemented. The Human Resources Agency makes every effort to locate stable foster placements and to minimize the number of foster placements for any given child.
"Recommendation 2: Increase wherever possible the placement of children within the family's kinship."
County Response: This recommendation has been implemented. The Human Resources Agency makes every effort to locate suitable placements with relatives for dependent children.
"Recommendation 3: Maintain the child's ties to kin as may be appropriate, when non-related placements are necessary."
County Response: This recommendation has been implemented. The Human Resources Agency makes every effort to maintain the child's ties to relatives through regular visitation when non-relative placements are necessary.
"Recommendation 4: Continue to work with Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to provide each child with a person who can maintain a continuous relationship with the child through the changes in agency personnel and changes in living arrangements."
County Response: This recommendation has been implemented. The Human Resources Agency continues to work with CASA to provide support and advocacy for children in the Juvenile Court system.
"Recommendation 5: Pursue the options available through HR3443 to continue health care eligibility for "aging out" foster youths."
County Response: This recommendation will be implemented. HR3443 is federal legislation that will be administered by the State. Prior to implementation, it will be necessary for the State to pass enabling legislation and regulations. When the State has taken these actions, the Human Resources Agency will pursue the options available through HR3443 to continue health care eligibility for "aging out" foster youths.
"Recommendation 6: Implement appropriate provisions in HR3443 to strengthen Child Welfare Services."
County Response: This recommendation will be implemented pending the State's adoption of enabling legislation and regulations.
"Recommendation 7: Include appropriate school personnel in each child's treatment team."
County Response: This recommendation has been implemented. The Human Resources
Agency makes every effort to include school personnel in the team of professionals who
assist dependent children. For example, school personnel are interviewed during the
investigations for abuse or neglect, Child Welfare social workers attend regular meetings of
school personnel for children with Individual Educational Plans (IEP'S), and school
personnel are invited to attend our Interagency Placement Committee, which monitors
placements and treatment plans for dependent children.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission
Grand Jury Final Report, Page 28
The County agrees with the Grand Jury's findings with the exceptions noted below.
Grand Jury Findings
"The Commission by-laws were amended to reduce the number of commissioners representing a supervisorial district from three to two. In order for matters requiring a vote to be acted on, a quorum of six commissioners must be present at a meeting.
The commissioners, in addition to representing a district, have responsibility for reviewing the various programs that are funded, at least in part, with County monies. The programs encompass a variety of services from prevention and drug education to residential and outpatient programs that are designed to respond to the needs of the county.
Each commissioner has liaison responsibility for assigned groups of providers. Providers are invited to describe their services at a meeting of the Commission. This practice enables all commissioners to become knowledgeable about the services in the County. Commissioners also serve as members of committees that relate to alcohol, budget, cultural competence, drugs, drinking driver programs, information and education programs and provider relations. The Commission has set goals for the year 2000 as listed in its annual report:
The Civil Grand Jury endorses the following recommendations in the Commission's Annual Report for 1999:
The Commission recommends that the Board of Supervisors make timely appointments to fill vacant Commission seats."
County Response: The County disagrees with this finding. Appointments to Commissions by the Board of Supervisors are made on a timely basis as applications are received.
Grand Jury Findings
"The Commission recommends an increase in communication with the Board of Supervisors and increase in the Board's responsiveness to Commission requests."
County Response: The County disagrees with this finding. It is the responsibility of Commission members to communicate with individual Board members and with the Board of Supervisors as a whole. The County believes that the Board of Supervisors has always responded quickly and appropriately to Commission requests.
Grand Jury Findings
"The Health Services Agency and the Board of Supervisors should continue to advocate for substance abuse prevention and treatment services without regard to pressure from alcohol industry companies or representatives."
"Recommendation 1: Pursue the development of a Juvenile Drug Court."
County Response: This recommendation is being implemented. The Health Services Agency's Alcohol and Drug Program is currently administering a Federal planning grant for determining the feasibility of developing a Juvenile Drug Court in Santa Cruz County. The Drug Court Steering Committee, which includes representatives from the Courts, the District Attorney, the Public Defender, the Probation Department, the County Administrative Office, and the Criminal Justice Council, will make recommendations on the feasibility of a Juvenile Drug Court when the planning grant has been completed.
"Recommendation 2: Continue development of a residential drug treatment program for adolescents."
County Response: This recommendation has been implemented. The Santa Cruz Community Counseling Center successfully bid on a County contract to develop a residential drug treatment program for adolescents, has obtained a site, hired a program manager, and submitted a license application to the State Department of Social Services. It is anticipated that the program will open in the fall of 2000.
"Recommendation 3: Pursue the development of an emergency facility other than Juvenile Hall for the temporary detention of young people by the County of Santa Cruz."
County Response: This recommendation requires further analysis. The Commission has
placed the item on their September 2000 agenda for discussion.
River Street Shelter
Grand Jury Final Report, Page 33
The County agrees with the Grand Jury findings.
Grand Jury Findings
"The Shelter is open from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. There are 32 beds, six beds per room. At about 4:30 p.m. homeless individuals begin to gather at the rear entrance of the River Street Shelter. These persons are met by a staff member and are screened for admission. All homeless are welcome but are selected for the shelter based on prioritized needs. Beds are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Some beds are reserved for crisis referrals from Dominican Hospital Mental Health Unit, and the Dual Diagnosis program of the County Drug and Alcohol Services Unit. The maximum stay is 30 days. There are exceptions to this for persons with extenuating circumstances.
There are a laundry facility, kitchen, dining area, and outside patio area. Two meals a day are served with the residents helping with the cooking and clean up. This is a clean and sober environment. No fees are charged.
There is currently one staff person assigned on rotation to perform night duty. If a client should have a psychotic episode, it is difficult for the one staff person to control this problem. He or she may not be able to physically control the client and may have to call 911 for help. There is also a potential for false sexual abuse claims against the staff. The shelter has experienced many inebriated persons who have wandered on site, which causes concern with only one person on night duty."
"Recommendation 1: Provide another staff person in order to have more than one staff person on duty at night."
County Response: This recommendation has been implemented. During the 2000-01
budget hearings, the Board of Supervisors approved additional funding which now provides
for 1.75 FTE (10 hours x 7 days) in Night Supervisor staffing. This makes it possible to have
two staff on duty every night at the Shelter.
Triad
Grand Jury Final Report, Page 34
The County agrees with the Grand Jury findings with the clarifications noted below.
Grand Jury Findings
"Chemical Dependency Services include recovery groups, dual-diagnosis treatment, confidential drug testing and a drinking driver program.
Emotional Health Services provides counseling for individuals, families, and programs for parenting skills and workplace problems. The agency contracts with various schools to provide counseling services for drug-involved youth. Mental health services to individuals and couples are provided on a sliding fee scale. Services to CalWorks' clients are subsidized by CalWorks.
The Methadone Maintenance Treatment program is long term and tailored to meet individual needs. Clients must have a two-year history of opiate addiction and at least two or more unsuccessful attempts to detoxify with a subsequent relapse. The cost of the methadone program is $335 per month for maintenance and $300 for a 21-day detoxification. Minors are not allowed in the maintenance program."
County Response: Triad, like many other methadone clinics in California, has received an exception from the State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs to allow it, upon approval of the clinic's medical director, to admit opiate addicts who have less than a two-year history of opiate addiction and fewer than two previous treatment failures.
Grand Jury Findings
"Methadone is Recovery is a new 12-step program for heroin-addicted individuals. This means that although the recipient of methadone is still dependent, perhaps for life, that person can maintain their capacity to function in society. It is similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, except that it allows feedback. Group therapy is involved.
There are presently no patients on the waiting list for methadone dosing. The current capacity of the Methadone Clinic is 210 clients. There are four categories of client treatment:
1. 21-day detoxification
2. Maintenance, with about 190 clients
3. Two or three slots for persons from other counties, who request dosing when they are out of their regular county program area.
4. A slot for emergencies. Reserved for HIV patients or pregnant patients."
County Response: The current capacity of the methadone clinic is 260 patients, of which approximately 225 are on methadone maintenance.
Grand Jury Findings
"Currently there is no methadone clinic in South County.
Two years is the goal for abstinence from heroin use. Urine testing is required for all clients every 30 days or at the counselors' request.
Presently the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the State of California regulate TRIAD. The Council for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is an accreditation agency that focuses on behavioral health. TRIAD is one of 100 agencies nationwide selected for a pilot program to administer Methadone. Accreditation by CARF will allow TRIAD to bill insurance companies for care.
HSA has requested TRIAD to control clients' enrollment and units of service. If TRIAD exceed its budget, the County must reduce funding for other agencies. This year Federal funds increased, enabling TRIAD to eliminate the waiting list."
County Response: In the past, limitations on available State and Federal funds resulted in HSA requesting Triad to control client enrollments and units of service. Recent changes in State statute and policy governing Drug MediCal funding for methadone have enabled Triad to receive State funding for all MediCal beneficiaries who need methadone maintenance treatment."Recommendation 1: Provide methadone services in South County."
County Response: The recommendation requires further analysis. The County supports
development of methadone services in South County, provided that there is a sufficiently large
client base to permit provision of services within State-mandated reimbursement rate caps.
Triad is investigating the development of a mobile methadone dispensing unit which could
provide dosing services in South County. In addition, there is a bill currently pending in the
State Legislature (SB1807, Vasconcellos) which would permit methadone to be dispensed from
physician's offices under certain circumstances. If adopted, SB1807 could provide another
option for cost-efficient provision of methadone services in South County. Information will be
provided to the Board of Supervisors as part of the 2000-01 County budget process.
Water Issues
Grand Jury Final Report, Pages 51 through 62
The Grand Jury Final Report lists the Board of Supervisors as a respondent to the reports on the
Central Water District, the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency, the Santa Cruz City Water
Department, the Scotts Valley Water District, and the Soquel Creek Water District. In addition, the
report identifies the County Agricultural Commissioner as a respondent to the report on the Pajaro
Valley Water Management Agency. The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors and the County
Agricultural Commissioner do not have jurisdiction over these autonomous special districts, each
of which has its own elected Board of Directors. For this reason, the County is not providing a
response to the findings or recommendations of the Grand Jury.
Prevention
Grand Jury Final Report, Page 66
The County agrees with the findings.
Grand Jury Findings
"Education: Drugs
Ongoing drug education is needed for youth, at least through high school. Parents, teachers, coaches, community leaders and all who influence youth behavior need to be educated. Current programs are inconsistent; there are no county standards.
The principal drug education programs for youth in Santa Cruz County is Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE), which teaches decision-making skills and emphasizes healthy alternatives to drugs. DARE is taught primarily at elementary and middle school levels. There is a complementary high school DARE program in various stages of implementation in Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley. Other school districts may or may not be using DARE and some districts have their own high school programs. For example:
EDUCATION (ACADEMICS) :
Options, for example, trade schools, are very important to many Santa Cruz County youth. Approximately half of our teens do not pursue higher education - many do not graduate from high school.
The SCCOE-supported Regional Occupational Program (ROP) currently offers 40 subjects in six broad career pathways to over 5000 teens and adults at 17 sites across the county. Details of the program can be viewed on the ROP Internet web site (www.rop.santacruz.k12.ca.us).
The SCCOE also supports Alternative Education Programs for approximately 1000 students who do not succeed in traditional school settings. In addition to academics, the program teaches living skills, and includes school-to-work and self-esteem building programs.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES:
Youth have varied needs. In addition to a sound drug and academic education, after school activities play an important role in their overall development. They need a place to go and after school activities. Most schools offer sports programs, but not all students are athletes. Many are interested in the arts (music, dance, drama, visual arts, etc). Some just need a place to play, such as, skate boarding. Others want to or need to work they need career counseling and job opportunities.
The San Lorenzo Valley Teen Center, which opened in 1999, boasts excellent participation and positive results. First year monitoring indicates a significant downturn in youth crime.
Scotts Valley leaders are currently planning a similar center.
The City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department is working on a Teen Center plan. A site has now been designated and the center should be operational this year. The goal is to provide programs for teens and young adults. The teen job-training program Student Training and Employment Program (STEP), directed by Parks and Recreation, will be expanded within the center, creating employment for youth to assist with running and maintaining the facility. Partnerships with other youth-serving groups are already in place and include; the County Office of Education (alternative schools program), Barrios Unidos (Community Based Gang Intervention Agency), Youth Services (support services for teens and parents on substance abuse issues), Youth Crisis Prevention/Intervention Team, Friday Night Live (County Health Services in drug/alcohol prevention), the Youth Serve Program of the Volunteer Center (involves youth in community service-learning projects), the Santa Cruz Boys and Girls Club (recreation for youth), and others.
In Watsonville, Youth Services programs are directed toward improving academic skills, building self-esteem, and developing job and life skills. In addition, the Police Activities League (PAL) sponsors and oversees several sports programs and youth events.
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education plan described above also supports after-school recreational activities. Programs have been implemented in some school districts - other districts could emulate the more creative ideas, such as the PVUSD program which is focused on the arts, and Live Oak School District's technology-based program.
Skateboarding and in-line skating are very popular in Santa Cruz County, and skate parks are generally scarce. However, County Parks and Recreation has built a skate park in the Live Oak area and a second is planned for Aptos. The city of Santa Cruz has selected a site for a new skate park, which is scheduled to be built later this year. Other communities where skate parks are being considered include Watsonville, Ben Lomond and Scotts Valley.
Youth Coalition Santa Cruz (YCSC) is a program of Youth-SERVE/Volunteer Center, City of Santa Cruz, Friday Night Live, Resource Center for Nonviolence, and the Boys and Girls Club. YCSC is a youth-run group, to empower and support all young people. The coalition provides an outlet for youth ideas, concerns and activism with "a vision to manifest ideas into social changes in our community." Their programs provide leadership training and encourage community involvement. The Volunteer Centers of Santa Cruz County host a "Teen Volunteer Alliance" and have recently published a 'Youth Volunteer Opportunities Guide'. To learn more about YCSC, check their Internet web site (www.scvolunteercenter.org) or call (831) 427-5070.
Safe, well planned and managed youth events are another key to effective prevention, for example, the multimedia dance party in conjunction with First Night Santa Cruz. Co-sponsored by the County Alcohol and Drug program and Friday Night Live, the New Year's Eve party featured both live and recorded music, and soft drinks - alcoholic beverages and drugs were not allowed, The event attracted more than 3,000 young people between the hours of 7:00 and 11:00 p.m.
NEW PROGRAMS:
Each year TFY/UPNJ addresses the most relevant issues derived from Santa Cruz County Youth Survey results.
The most recent surveys continue to show that alcohol is the drug of choice among youth and emphasizes its ease of access. They reveal that the average age of first time intoxication is 13.5 years among users of alcohol and that a third of our eleventh graders use alcohol more than once per month many weekly and some daily. The numbers of users are growing. In efforts to curtail this alarming trend, the Civil Grand Jury Foreperson joined TFY/UPNJ and the Santa Cruz County Alcohol and Drug Program to assemble a Policy Panel to determine what could be done to control youth access to alcohol. More than 50 leading citizens of Santa Cruz County worked together to prepare 26 recommendations in five areas including; community, schools, law enforcement, land use and zoning, and merchant practices. The recommendations, published in February 2000, are described in a 15 page TFY/UPNJ report entitled "Policy Panel on Youth Access to Alcohol". Everyone involved with youth, especially parents, should read the Policy Panel Report and take appropriate action.
In addition to the Policy Panel Report, TFY/UPNJ has published two pamphlets to help parents recognize potential youth drug and alcohol problems and guidelines on what to do. Titles are: "Drugs, Alcohol and Teenagers" and "Heroin Use among Young People". Both are available in English and Spanish from TFY/UPNJ.
Copies of the Policy Panel Report and the two pamphlets are available in both English and Spanish from TFY/UPNJ at (831) 479-5466. The documents are also accessable on the United Way internet web site (www.unitedway.scc.org)."
"Recommendation 1: Continue to follow and support the Together For Youth Prevention Plan including the Policy Panel Report recommendations."
County Response: This recommendation is being implemented. The Board of Supervisors supports implementation of the Together for Youth Prevention Plan through participation by staff of several County departments, including the Health Services Agency, Sheriff's Department, Parks and Recreation, and the Human Resources Agency. With the support of staff from HSA, Together for Youth is prioritizing recommendations from the Policy Panel Report for implementation in the 2000-01 fiscal year.
"Recommendation 2: Assure that all county school districts have drug education programs through grade 12."
County Response: This recommendation is being implemented. School districts have primary responsibility for implementing drug education programs in school settings. The County Health Services Agency supports school-based drug education programs by funding school districts, and coordination of training on state-of-the-art prevention programs for school staff and outside agencies that provide drug education in school settings.
"Recommendation 3: Recognize PVPSA family programs as model programs to be emulated."
County Response: This recommendation is being implemented. The County works closely with PVPSA on a variety of issues regarding youth.
"Recommendation 4: Expand the Regional Occupational Program to address the needs of job market."
County Response: The County Board of Supervisors has no jurisdiction in this matter, but supports the recommendation.
"Recommendation 5: Expand creative after-school programs across all county school districts."
County Response: This implementation is being implemented. The County Health Services Agency's Alcohol and Drug Program will continue to work with schools, Together for Youth, cities and others to expand after-school programs countywide. Together for Youth, with support from the HSA Alcohol and Drug Program, assisted in the development of the San Lorenzo Valley Teen Center, and has obtained grant funding to support the development of a Teen Gathering Place in the City of Santa Cruz. Opening of the Teen Gathering Place is one of Together for Youth's key objectives for 2000-01.
"Recommendation 6: Expand job centers and vocational counseling for high school youth."
County Response: This recommendation is being implemented. Employment services are
provided to eligible youths through the Human Resources Agency at the three One-Stop Career
Centers (West Beach Street in Watsonville, Emeline Complex in Santa Cruz, and the EDD office
in Live Oak) and through the Workforce Investment Act programs.
Enforcement
Grand Jury Final Report, Page 71
The County agrees with the findings.
Grand Jury Findings
"While our most recent survey indicates that youth drug use is lower in several key areas, drugs continue to be plentiful and readily available to Santa Cruz County youth. Youth crime has decreased in some areas, such as, San Lorenzo Valley - the San Lorenzo Valley Resource Center attributes the drop in youth crime to its Teen Center activities and community-supported youth programs. Several additional projects are currently in progress.
The first Juvenile Justice Task Force (JJTF) project is a Laws For Youth Handbook. Printing and distribution is expected by Fall 2000.
The second JJTF project is Truancy Impact. Fact-gathering and compiling have been completed. Following analysis, the release plan will include a community forum later this year.
One of JJTF's new initiatives is to assess the need for a Juvenile Drug Court. This is also the first priority of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Task Force. The two groups will work together on this and other areas of mutual concern, such as, efforts to secure a detoxification site exclusively for youth. Another JJTF's ongoing project is improvements to Juvenile Hall classrooms, medical services and recreation areas.
The Juvenile Hall Overcrowding Task Force has been working with the courts and law enforcement agencies countywide since August 1999. The programs they have initiated appear effective, as evidenced by the reduced number of youth in residence at Juvenile Hall. One year ago, the facility built to accommodate a maximum of 42 juveniles was inhabited by over 60. More recently, the number of wards in residence has been less than 40. This success is attributed mainly to diversion programs and more aggressive court scheduling to shorten the time incarcerated youth have to wait at Juvenile Hall before their case is heard.
The County Probation Department, in conjunction with law enforcement agencies across the County, continue to support diversion programs for first time offenders. These programs employ closely monitored home supervision techniques. FENIX Services in Watsonville provide day programs allowing first time youth offenders to avoid Juvenile Hall. Electronic monitoring is used for less serious offenders, even if it is not their first offense.
The Watsonville Police Department's Broad-based, Apprehension, Suppression, Treatment and Alternatives (BASTA.) program, supported by the County Probation Department, is a gang violence suppression project to divert gang activity and promote positive, constructive behavior.
The City of Santa Cruz has recently passed a 'shoulder-tap' ordinance making it illegal for minors to solicit the services of an adult to obtain alcoholic beverages. It has always been illegal for adults to obtain alcoholic beverages for minors. The intent of this ordinance is to allow law enforcement officials to intervene and take appropriate steps to discourage young offenders from using alcohol, just as other diversion programs work to stop youth from using all drugs.
A new County position has been created for alcohol and drug assessment and evaluation of both court wards and non-court wards. This staff position will enable a closer, more direct involvement, by County Alcohol and Drug Services.
Sheriff's Community Service Centers make it much easier for non-city residents to utilize the services of the Sheriff's Department. The four Centers are located in Freedom, Live Oak, Aptos and Felton. A Sergeant is assigned to each location along with deputies who patrol the area. They are involved in their respective communities including youth anti-drug programs, sports activities and other school and community programs. The Centers are staffed Monday through Friday by trained volunteers who work as a team with the Sheriff's office to provide a host of neighborhood services. They enable deputies to focus on more serious crime issues. These dedicated volunteers are valuable assets to the Sheriff's Department and to their communities.
Neighborhood Accountability Boards (NABs), established by County Probation mid-1999, offers an opportunity for the community to take an active role in confronting and resolving the problems of juvenile crime in their neighborhoods. The program provides an effective alternative to prosecution of first time offenders by holding the minor accountable through a variety of sanctions including restitution, community service, education and counseling. To date, more than twenty cases have been heard by trained community volunteers in five Santa Cruz County communities and only two offenders have repeated. Conventional processes were then enforced and the two offenders were remanded to Juvenile Hall as wards of the court.
Teen Peer Court offers a "by teens for teens" alternative for misdemeanor crimes by 13 to 17 year olds. This program emphasizes self-improvement, self-esteem and a healthy attitude."
"Recommendation 1: Continue diversion and intervention programs aimed at keeping first time youth offenders out of Juvenile Hall. Support participation by all law enforcement agencies countywide."
County Response: This recommendation has been and will continue to be implemented. In calendar year 1999, 712 youth were diverted. Several hundred more were involved in the alternatives to detention services.
The County Health Services Agency participates in the implementation of this recommendation through a Juvenile Hall Alcohol and Drug Specialist who provides assessment, treatment referrals and case management services for youth in Juvenile Hall and their families. HSA provides for mental health and substance abuse treatment services for first-time youth offenders and others through contracts with Youth Services, Palomares, Triad, Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, and the Santa Cruz Community Counseling Center. New services to be opened in 2000-01 include a mid-county Youth Services clean and sober classroom, and a 6-bed residential dual diagnosis youth program.
"Recommendation 2: Maintain other successful programs, such as Neighborhood Accountability Boards and Teen Peer Court."
County Response: This recommendation is being implemented. The County Probation Department plans to expand the accountability boards in the upcoming year. Teen Peer Court funding is being lost, however, the Teen Peer Court Advisory Board and the Probation Department will be actively seeking new funds to continue programming. The Teen Peer Court program only diverts about 15 youth annually and is viewed primarily as an educational opportunity for youth not in the juvenile justice system, however, the County supports the program and will continue to do so.
"Recommendation 3: Continue BASTA support and expand to include other communities where youth gangs are present."
County Response: This recommendation requires further analysis. BASTA has been funded since 1992-93 by the Office of Criminal Justice Planning and is a multi-component, inter-agency collaborative project. Although the BASTA program has been very successful, the on-going status of the program is in some doubt. Continued funding from the Office of Criminal Justice Planning is not expected to continue after June 30, 2001. The loss of the OCJP grant is $500,000 per year, plus $150,000 in local match. Several attempts to duplicate the BASTA model in North County have been unsuccessful despite great effort The BASTA Steering Committee will be working on sustainability plans through the end of this calendar year. If possible, the group will reapply to OCJP or seek additional sources of funding.
"Recommendation 4: Continue efforts to establish a permanent juvenile drug court."
County Response: This recommendation is being implemented. The County Alcohol and Drug Program is currently administering a Federal planning grant for determining the feasibility of implementing a drug treatment court for juveniles in Santa Cruz County. The members of the Drug Court Steering Committee include the Probation Department, Courts, District Attorney's Office, Criminal Justice Council and Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, Inc.
Treatment
Grand Jury Final Report Page 74
The County agrees with the findings.
Grand Jury Findings
"As recommended, residential treatment became a high priority item in 1999. In the current fiscal period, two six-bed residential youth treatment centers, operated by Palomares Group Homes, have been opened for adolescent boys referred by Santa Cruz County Probation. The homes are located in Aptos and Freedom.
The Group Home Society of Aptos provides treatment for adolescent girls, but the facilities are inadequate. The demand is much greater than services available.
For non-court wards, the County Department of Alcohol and Drugs has obtained funding and have selected the Santa Cruz Community Counseling Center to manage a new co-ed residential facility. A La Selva Beach home has been procured for this facility that should be operational July 2000. An initial six beds are to be expanded to ten beds in 2001. A program manager has been hired.
County Probation has also initiated a community-based day treatment program, called Probation Alternative Resources for Kids (PARK), with centers in North County and South County. Each Center can accommodate eighteen minors who participate in a highly structured six month program. The program is staffed by Probation officers six days a week and includes evening events. Crisis/mobile service response is available on days the centers are closed. Participating minors receive a full schedule of academic classes from the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. In addition, a wide variety of educational and counseling services are available to participants and their families, provided by several cooperating community-based organizations.
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education "Clean and Sober" school program, in conjunction with
YOUTH SERVICES, currently provides day-treatment services for 50 eligible youth, 20 in
Watsonville and 30 in Santa Cruz."
"Recommendation 1: Continue to assess youth treatment needs and support a continuum of services at strategic locations - outpatient, site-based and residential services."
County Response: This recommendation is being implemented. Currently an inter-disciplinary team from the Probation Department and Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Services are meeting to assess the treatment needs and identify gaps in services. One of the gaps that has already been identified is residential treatment for female court wards. The team is assessing services including GROW, PARK, Redwoods and group homes to determine what additional assessment, treatment and aftercare services are needed to deal more effectively with court wards who need treatment - both outpatient and residential. A number of new funding sources may become available during this fiscal year to enhance drug treatment services. A six-month planning period is anticipated with responsible parties being Dane Cervine, Mental Health; Bill Manov, HSA, Drug and Alcohol Services; Scott MacDonald and Judy Cox, Probation.
"Recommendation 2: Establish permanent residential treatment facilities for girls, in and out of the criminal justice system."
County Response: This recommendation is being implemented. A residential treatment program that accommodates girls is opening this calendar year. This program will accept girls who may be involved with the criminal justice system, but who are not court wards. Additional study is needed to determine if there are sufficient numbers of girls needing treatment who are court wards to make opening of a free-standing residential treatment program for girls a feasible option. Other options include development of a co-ed residential treatment program for court wards, establishing a regional program for girls, or admitting female court wards to the new co-ed residential youth treatment program for non-court wards.
"Recommendation 3: Establish youth and family alcohol and drug counseling in strategic county locations."
County Response: This recommendation is being implemented. HSA has contracted with Youth Services to open a new, 30-slot day treatment clean and sober classroom in mid-County in 2000-01. In addition, HSA contracts with numerous providers of youth and family alcohol and drug counseling services throughout the County. As additional funding becomes available, further expansion will be considered.
"Recommendation 4: Continue creative funding programs as described in the County High-Risk Drug Task Force plan."
County Response: This recommendation is being implemented. The Health Services Agency is leveraging State and Federal funding sources wherever possible to develop additional services. For 2000-01, HSA is working with Palomares to obtain new EPSDT MediCal funding to strengthen alcohol and drug treatment supports during evening and weekend hours (including more intensive family treatment) at the Palomares 12-bed residential program for court wards. HSA is also initiating discussions with existing providers to expand outpatient and case management services for youth using Drug MediCal funding.
"Recommendation 5: Continue efforts to secure a detoxification site for youth."
County Response: This recommendation is being implemented. Outpatient detoxification of
youth from heroin is available through the Triad methadone clinic, however, there is clearly a
need for additional detoxification services for youth. It is well-established in the research that the
vast majority of persons who do not receive continuing treatment services after detoxification
quickly relapse. Consequently, it is essential that development of any new detoxification services
for youth be accompanied by development of additional on-going treatment services to
accommodate youth who complete the detoxification program.
Coordination
Grand Jury Final Report Page 76
The County agrees with the findings.
Grand Jury Findings
"The main obstacle to implementing good ideas is lack of funding. Whether supported by state, federal and private grants or from county and city general funds, there are always too many programs and too little funding. The need to prioritize is ever present, as agencies continue to compete for available funds. Effective prioritization requires decision-makers to be well informed.
County and City leaders must be aware of the potential dangers of programs that advertise "NO ALCOHOL," such as, RAVES or TRANCES and other all-night dance parties where 'club drugs' are known to be prevalent. The menu often includes MDMA (ecstasy), GHB, ketamine (special K), methamphetamine, LSD and other popular party drugs associated with date rapes, serious health problems and even youth deaths. Research by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) clearly shows that there are no harmless 'club drugs'. All are addictive and all can cause serious and possibly permanent physical and mental impairment - and death.
Though progress is being made on several fronts prevention, enforcement and treatment the problem is certainly not solved. All we can do is continue to work the issues and do everything possible to keep our youth healthy and safely out of harms way. The grand jury can contribute significantly to these efforts by confronting the issues and reporting on status and effectiveness of programs. Identifying continuing and changing needs will help keep our county and city officials focused and the citizens of Santa Cruz County informed."
"Recommendation 1: Continue to recognize and support the most knowledgeable involved organizations for effective direction, such as, "Together For Youth/Unidos Para Nuestros Jovenes" for prevention and the Juvenile Justice Council for enforcement."
County Response: This recommendation is being and will continue to be implemented.
"Recommendation 2: Continue to use the County High-Risk Drug Task Force treatment plan and creative funding recommendations as long as they remain valid. Reassemble this task force as needed to maintain a relevant plan."
County Response: This recommendation is being and will continue to be implemented.
"Recommendation 3: Take steps to assure that all appropriate agencies are knowledgeable about new, potentially epidemic drug problems, and the public is kept informed."
County Response: This recommendation is being and will continue to be implemented. The County Health Services Agency is implementing this recommendation through support of the semi-annual student alcohol and drug survey, and coordination of inter-agency information sharing about new drug trends in venues such as the Together for Youth prevention collaborative and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission. HSA has worked with Together for Youth to develop and distribute pamphlets for parents about youth heroin use, and will continue such efforts in the future.
"Recommendation 4: We encourage the 2000/2001 Civil Grand Jury to continue to observe and to investigate efforts to address this important problem."
County Response: The County Board of Supervisors supports the recommendation.