OYA describes new Safety Intervention Unit, limits on isolation and conflict-resolution strategy

Danessa Martin, interim assistant director for Facility Services, told the committee on March 25 that OYA operates nine facilities across the state — five youth correctional facilities and four youth transition programs — and that average facility population ranges from 375 to 410 youth.

Martin said OYA repurposed a standard living unit at McLaren into a Safety Intervention Unit designed to support crisis stabilization in a more developmental environment. She said use of isolation is limited to situations where a youth is in danger of physically harming another, where a serious threat of violence exists, or where violence has already occurred. "It is a policy to only use isolation to manage a youth ... when the youth is in danger of physically harming another," Martin said, and staff attempt to move youth out of rooms and into offices or common spaces to begin reintegration as soon as possible.

Duration and process: Martin told lawmakers that a youth could be managed under a safety intervention plan for up to five days when necessary but clarified they are not expected to remain locked in a room for five days straight and that reintegration planning includes qualified mental health professionals and problem-analysis steps.

Cameras and privacy: Martin and Dr. Marcia Adams answered committee questions that cameras are not present in shower areas or in medical exam rooms; hallways outside exam rooms are covered by cameras and camera blind spots are reviewed during PREA audit pre-audits and controlled by policy.

Conflict resolution and gang management: Martin outlined a three-part statewide conflict-resolution strategy made up of conflict resolution, restorative justice and gang management. She said about 30 percent of youth in the community and 42 percent in facilities reported current or prior gang affiliation and described the strategy as a comprehensive framework that includes staff training, individualized case management, mentorship, family and community connection, and restorative practices.

Programs and vocational training: Martin also highlighted vocational programs at OYA facilities, including welding, forklift certification, nail tech and barbering licenses, Project Pooch and Fences for Fido, and the wildland firefighting crew at Camp River Bend.

Ending: Facility leaders said the Safety Intervention Unit and conflict-resolution strategy are steps toward reducing prolonged isolation and building more developmental, rehabilitative environments.