May 2, 2025
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LA County Probation Files Initial Depopulation Plan for Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Compliance with Court Order
LOS ANGELES — Today, the Los Angeles County Probation Department filed its proposed phased Depopulation Strategy for Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall with Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Espinoza, in accordance with his April 2025 court order. The plan outlines a carefully coordinated approach to safely reduce the population at Los Padrinos while improving youth outcomes and maintaining public safety.
“This is a responsible and thoughtful step forward that reflects our commitment to court compliance, operational reform, and youth rehabilitation,” said Chief Probation Officer Guillermo Viera Rosa. “While this is not a final plan, it represents a strong foundation to realign youth with the right programs and services—and do so in a way that brings lasting, systemwide improvements.”
Once approved, the plan will be implemented over a 30-day period in phases, in close coordination with the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC)—which will need to review youth facilities to ensure they meet state standards—Juvenile Court Health Services, the Los Angeles County Office of Education, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, County Department of Mental Health, the Department of Youth Development, and other key partners. It builds on the Department’s existing Facilities Global Plan and includes provisions to enhance mental health care, gender-responsive programming, and individualized placement for youth with specialized needs.
Youth, families, and stakeholders will be notified in advance of any transfers, and a comprehensive communication timeline—including virtual town halls, email updates, and facility-level FAQs—will ensure families are supported throughout the transition. The Department will also continue to work with the Court and County partners to assess additional release opportunities in a manner consistent with public safety, as well as community-based alternatives and diversion programs.
This phased strategy is intended to reduce the Los Padrinos population by more than 100 youth, with future phases contingent on facility readiness, partner capacity, and BSCC coordination. Additional updates will be provided as implementation progresses.
For a copy of the filing, please email Communications Director Vicky Waters (vicky.waters@probation.lacounty.gov).