Probation presents Juvenile Justice Commission inspection of William F. James Ranch; staff say furloughs and home visits are being planned

The Santa Clara County Public Safety & Justice Committee on June 25 received the Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) inspection report for the William F. James Ranch, a juvenile custodial facility. Jill Ugalde, deputy chief for institutional services at the county Probation Department, presented the report and told supervisors staff are working to reinstate furloughs and home visits but do not yet have a firm timeline.

The report was submitted by the JJC; commissioners attended the meeting in chambers but did not present formal slides. Ugalde said the department is consulting with the Youth Advisory Council to set parameters for off‑ranch furloughs so that those visits are “most beneficial” and to reduce the risk of ranch failures when youth do not want to return. She also said the department has received new body scanners and is finalizing associated policies and procedures so returning youth can be screened for weapons and contraband.

Supervisors used the discussion to press for additional detail and follow up. Vice Chairperson Lee asked for a return briefing before the end of the calendar year that includes (1) status of responses to last year’s JJC recommendations, (2) updates on probation’s responses to the current recommendations, (3) expanded data collection on youth outcomes, and (4) proposed modifications to the JJC‑administered youth survey. Ugalde confirmed the survey Lee referenced is the JJC survey generated during inspections and said the department is engaged in conversations about survey modifications with the Youth Advisory Council.

Independent Defender Sylvia Perez McDonald commended the Probation Department for progress on narrowing racial disproportionality in the juvenile system and said the JJC report offers useful oversight. Probation staff said they collaborate with behavioral health and other system partners to assess family stability when considering home visits and to identify supports in case a crisis occurs while a youth is home.

After questions from supervisors, a motion to receive the JJC inspection report carried on a voice vote. Supervisors requested the follow‑up report described above.

The committee discussion included requests to track outcomes after youth exit custody and to preserve historical grievance and outcome data so trends can be analyzed over a longer period. Probation staff said they will return with additional detail and timelines as requested.