Juvenile Hall was established for the secure detention of minors coming under jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. Although the Court commits minors to Juvenile Hall, detention is usually defined as the temporary care of minors in a secure setting pending Court Disposition or transfer to another jurisdiction. The minors are detained for their protection or the protection of the community. Although the primary purpose is to provide secure detention, it is also intended to enhance rather than hinder the minor’s rehabilitation. While in Juvenile Hall minors are exposed to activities and guidance that will contribute to their social and personal development, and enhance their ability to function acceptably in the community. Juvenile Hall staff provides counseling and constructive attitudes toward the detained minors, assisting them to use the detention experience to understand themselves and their problems. Detention should begin the process of rehabilitation and lay the groundwork for later treatment.
The Family Reunification Program (FRP) is a treatment-based program in which juveniles are committed to Juvenile Hall for approximately 120 days. The minor and his/her family participate in intensive individual, group and family counseling coupled with structured home passes. Both positive school performance and positive daily behavior is mandatory for successful completion of the program. The main goal of the FRP is to reunify the juvenile with his/her family by preserving family ties, improving communication, developing better interpersonal relationships and reinforcing positive family values. The goal of this program is to eliminate the need for out of home placement.
The Substance Abuse Turnaround Education Program (STEP) requires a 60 day commitment to Juvenile Hall. The counseling includes 2 groups per week and individual meetings as needed. The program provides intervention and prevention services to detainees in the early to middle stages of alcohol or drug abuse, or chemical dependency. STEP is a psycho-educational group addressing a wide variety of subjects and introduces the minors to the concept of recovery and 12 step program.
The juveniles are involved in a structured program of activities on a daily basis. In addition to mandatory school attendance, recreation and exercise is scheduled a minimum of 3 hours a day during the week and 5 hours each Saturday and Sunday or other non-school days. At least one hour of the physical activity is planned to be outdoors. Each evening and during the weekends, there are programs offered to the juveniles, including AA, NA, church, visiting, movies, letter writing, and open recreation periods that include basketball and wall ball.
Golden Ridge School is located within Juvenile Hall and operated by the El Dorado County Office of Education. Students receive 26 hours of instruction each week. The California Standard’s based curriculum is delivered to all students by an individualized instructional model. Golden Ridge School Course of Study (grades 9-12) includes all subjects required for a student to complete high school course requirements. In addition, the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) is administered 5 times annually to qualifying students. Completed coursework and credits are transferable to all schools. Qualifying students may obtain their high school diploma from their prior school or from Golden Ridge School. Resources are available to all special education students which accommodate the requirements of their Individual Education Plan (IEP). Preparation for the General Education Development (GED) is available for those students who qualify.
Mental Health services are provided by the El Dorado County Mental Health Department. At least two licensed therapists are available on site to work with juveniles on a regular basis. Juveniles may request services or any staff assigned to work at the Juvenile Hall may refer any ward that they think may benefit. After regular business hours or when the mental health staff is not on site, the Psychiatric Emergency Service unit is available for any mental health crisis situations.
The California Forensic Medical Group, Inc. provides the Juvenile Hall with health services. This private provider currently provides similar services at jails and juvenile detention facilities throughout the state. The medical staff is generally on site on a daily basis to administer medications and conduct physical exams of the juveniles in need of medical attention. Juveniles can request to be seen by medical staff anytime they are on site. After regular business hours an on-call medical staff is available to assist Juvenile Hall staff with any medically related questions or concerns. Emergency situations are handled at Marshall Hospital.
Anger Management Counseling Services are available to all minors. Juveniles are provided guidelines and material to assist in understanding of current facts and theories about anger and violence. Services include counseling and education in the identification, management, and appropriate expressions of anger. Minors learn to identify triggers and utilize coping tools and relaxation techniques.
The Juvenile Hall kitchen prepares three well-balanced and nutritious meals daily that meet the California Child Nutrition requirements. A registered dietician reviews and approves all menus, and all special medical dietary needs and restrictions are complied with. The facility is inspected yearly by the Environmental Health Department and operates under a yearly permit issued by that agency. The Correctional Food Services Supervisor has completed the Food Safety Manager Certification. The facility consistently meets and frequently exceeds the standards set forth by the Health and Safety Code, Title 15 of the California Code of Regulations and the California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law.
