[San Mateo] County to alter services for jailed youth: Changes follow civil grand jury report that identified weaknesses

Multiple county agencies will work together to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure incarcerated juveniles better transition back into school and family life after being released from detention.

The move follows a San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury report released in July that concluded educating jailed youth in the county has its weaknesses.

Education for juveniles in jail is conducted at three year-round programs at the Youth Services Center in San Mateo, Margaret J. Kemp Girls Camp in San Mateo and Camp Glenwood Boys Ranch in La Honda.

Computers, including online instruction, will be used more extensively to educate youth once the Probation Department can ensure a safe and secure learning environment, according to a staff report by County Manager John Maltbie to the Board of Supervisors.

In its report, the grand jury recommended that more emphasis needs to be placed on the mental health of juveniles and that the school work they do complete while detained is counted toward graduation.

It also suggested that families be more involved in their children’s progress.

In response, the Probation Department is collaborating with Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, the San Mateo County Office of Education, the District Attorney’s Office, the Private Defender Panel, the Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commission and local nonprofits to redesign the “antiquated Camp Glenwood Program,” according to Maltbie’s report.

Although the county is required to respond to the grand jury, it does not have to follow any of its recommendations.

A committee comprised of officials from the various county departments will develop a thorough re-entry plan focused on supporting the youths’ educational, vocational and therapeutic needs as they transition back to their families and communities, according to Maltbie’s report.

The Probation Department has also applied for a grant that, if awarded, will allow additional staffing for the County Office of Education to assist with transitioning youth back to their home schools, transportation for parents to visit their sons at Camp Glenwood and additional vocational training to prepare the youth to return to their communities, according to Maltbie’s report.

The grand jury decided to investigate following a suggestion the County Office of Education was not providing all required educational support to incarcerated juveniles, especially those with physical and mental health challenges who are housed at Camp Glenwood.

October 7, 2015

The Daily Journal

By Journal Staff