NCJ Number
94968
Date Published
1981
Length
275 pages
Annotation
Witnesses from the California Youth Authority (CYA) testified about that agency's activities and problems to a committee investigating possible reforms in the juvenile corrections system.
Abstract
The first witness, a parole agent from the northern region, discussed his definition of parole and the dual role of the parole officer as law enforcement officer and caseworker. The Director of the CYA then responded to remarks by witnesses in an earlier hearing about the work of the CYA, focusing on increased commitments to CYA resulting from local budget cuts, overcrowding, recidivism rates, staff training, grievance procedures, the day pass program, furloughs, security and safety, and inmates' public service projects. Probation officers for Sacramento and Merced Counties told about their disagreements with the CYA about standards for locally funded and operated juvenile halls. A retired parole agent described the program he developed for YA parolees involved in drug abuse. A former CYA employee who had worked in four institutions testified on the high levels of violence he observed in these facilities, the lack of employee free speech, and failure of CYA personnel to report ward offenses and injuries. Other witnesses discussed the CYA's Delinquency Prevention and Community Corrections branch, the functions of the CYA Board, and recommended reforms of the CYA from the California Probation, Parole, and Correctional Association. Additional testimony focused on CYA personnel training needs and employee grievances, the increased percentage of younger inmates now in prisons, and maintaining the CYA as a separate system from adult prisons. The hearing's agenda, prepared statements, and basic data on the CYA are appended.