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Probation reports grievances data for Jan–Jun 2025; two youths accounted for majority of filings
Summary
The probation department reported 83 total grievances submitted at juvenile facilities between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2025, detailed the grievance process, and described follow‑up supports; the committee asked for deeper breakdowns of founded corrective actions and demographic context for repeat filers.
Probation department staff told the Public Safety and Justice Committee on Sept. 12 that between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2025, county juvenile facilities received 83 grievances from 28 unique youths and that two youths submitted the bulk of those filings.
Li Weiwei, a senior research and evaluation specialist, said the reporting period covered 72 grievances at Juvenile Hall and 11 at William James Ranch, filed by 21 unique youths at Juvenile Hall and seven at James Ranch. “In total, we have 28 unique youth who submitted either 1 or multiple grievances,” Li said.
Presenters explained the formal grievance process: youth are given instructions, a video and a handbook on arrival; grievance forms are available in every unit; submissions may be made to staff or a locked box; supervisors must provide an initial response within three days and managers provide final resolution within 10 days (with extensions and immediate handling for health/safety items).
Probation managers described the distribution of complaints. Daniel Cortez, institutions manager for Juvenile Hall, summarized categories and noted that two youths accounted for most filings: “At juvenile hall, we had 1 youth who submitted 30 grievances … and another youth that submitted 16 grievances,” Cortez said. Staff said many top complaint categories were “felt mistreated,” services (for example, missed phone calls or missed therapist availability) and staffing concerns (including conflicts with assigned staff). At James Ranch, the top categories were “felt mistreated” and loss of privilege.
Resolution metrics: The department reported 57 percent of grievances at Juvenile Hall were resolved at the supervisor level and 43 percent at the manager level. Average time from submission to initial response was reported as 0 days at Juvenile Hall (median/mean not specified) and 5 days at James Ranch; trainers clarified the James Ranch averages were influenced by school‑related investigations that were paused until school staff could respond. Removing those cases, the James Ranch averages would be within expected timelines (initial response 1 day, final resolution 2 days).
Follow‑up and supports: Managers said staff routinely follow up with youths who file grievances — even when a case is deemed unfounded — to check on safety and connect youths to services, behavioral health, school staff or community‑based organizations. Staff said referrals to behavioral health, school liaisons or mentors are used for youths who require further support.
Committee requests: Members asked staff to include additional breakdowns in future reports, including (1) which grievance categories resulted in corrective actions, (2) whether length of stay correlates with grievance filings and (3) more demographic context for repeat filers. Vice Chairperson Lee asked for attention to female youth because the two highest‑filing youths were female and female youth make up a small portion of the custody population; staff said both high‑filing youths were female and agreed to include additional detail in future reports.
Action: The committee voted to receive the juvenile custodial grievances report and asked probation to expand future reporting to include the requested breakdowns; recorded votes showed Vice Chairperson Lee and Chairperson Ellerberg voting in favor and the motion carried.
