Los Angeles County Board to Consider Expansion of Youth Diversion Program

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is set to vote on a proposal to expand youth diversion programs, prioritizing pre-booking options for juvenile offenders. The measure, introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents Pasadena, and Supervisor Janice Hahn and aims to reduce youth involvement in the criminal justice system.

If approved, the plan would require the Sheriff’s Department to update its policies and training procedures to emphasize pre-booking diversion whenever legally permissible. This approach seeks to prevent the creation of criminal records for youth, potentially impacting their future opportunities.

The proposal calls for amending the Sheriff’s Department’s Diversion Directive policy and Field Operations protocols. These changes would incorporate procedures for diversion, with a focus on pre-booking options when possible.

Under the plan, all Field Operations staff and patrol deputies would receive training on the new diversion procedures. The training, for both new hires and current employees, would prioritize stations with lower pre-booking diversion numbers.

The motion also directs the Sheriff’s Department to develop a Department-wide record-sealing protocol for youth who qualify, including those who have completed diversion programs. This aligns with Welfare and Institutions Code Section 827.95 requirements.

Supervisors Barger and Hahn have requested two reports: one within 90 days outlining implementation plans, and another within 60 days detailing pre-booking diversion prioritization. The proposal also addresses barriers to visitation plans and ensures Child and Family Team meetings occur consistently.

The Executive Director of the Office of Child Protection is instructed to create a transportation plan, including accessing available transportation programs. This comprehensive approach aims to reduce the long-term impacts of criminal records on youth.

The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on the proposal at their upcoming meeting on Tuesday, August 6.