Valerie Lopez told the Kings County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 25 that her 5‑year‑old granddaughter was the victim of alleged lewd acts and that the 16‑year‑old autistic suspect was released from custody to a CBRC group home outside the county because Kings County lacks local counseling or therapy for juveniles. “There is nothing here for them,” Lopez said, adding that her family had made multiple reports to child protective services that she says were not acted on.

At a subsequent public comment slot, Sarah Hacker — identified in the record by name — described her office’s opposition at a recent hearing to releasing the juvenile to a group home she said was not designed to treat the behaviors that led to the offense. Hacker said the judge ordered treatment, but said systemic constraints — including changes following Proposition 57 and shifts in appellate case law — have limited prosecutors’ options. “We need to have a more aggressive treatment, for in the juvenile center regarding crimes involving offenses with young children,” Hacker said.

Both speakers urged county action: Lopez asked the board to develop local services so victims and juveniles do not have to leave the county for treatment and to provide clear steps families can follow; Hacker suggested coordinating with probation to expand treatment in custody and said she will present a Dec. 8 agenda item proposing a county proclamation designating the holiday season as a “season for safety.”

The board acknowledged the comments and one supervisor asked that county behavioral health staff follow up with Lopez and report back. No formal action was taken at the meeting to create new juvenile treatment programs; county staff and board members indicated they would return the matter to the board for further discussion and possible inclusion on a future agenda for legislative or programmatic responses.

What happens next: Supervisors asked staff to report back; Hacker previewed a Dec. 8 agenda item. The board did not adopt policy or allocate funding at the Nov. 25 meeting.