Supervisors direct probation to speed Pine Grove screenings for eligible youth
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Summary
After testimony from formerly incarcerated youth and advocates, the Board unanimously directed probation to complete Pine Grove prescreenings within 14 days of a judge's order, identify point persons at facilities and provide quarterly outreach so more eligible young people can access the conservation camp pathway.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion on Dec. 9 that requires probation to complete prescreenings for Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp within specified timelines, identify point persons at Los Padrinos and Barry J. Neidorf facilities, and coordinate outreach so eligible youth have timely opportunities to enroll.
Supervisor Janice Hahn, the motion’s author, said Pine Grove—an in‑custody hand‑crew fire camp run by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation—offers occupational training and therapeutic supports and that new state law (Assembly Bill 247) now requires incarcerated hand crew members to be paid when assigned to active fires. Hahn told the board that no youth had been placed at Pine Grove in the prior seven months and that administrative delays were blocking access for eligible youth.
The motion requires probation to complete a one‑page prescreening form within 14 days of a judge's order, to begin full screenings while youth remain at Los Padrinos (avoiding an extra transfer to Barry J.), and to designate staff points of contact at both facilities. The Board also directed the public defender and alternate public defender to educate attorneys about the screening process and to encourage court‑ordered referrals where appropriate.
Dozens of witnesses, including youth who had participated in Pine Grove and anti‑recidivism groups, told the board the program can provide life skills, leadership training and career paths—some speakers specifically cited firefighting and post‑incarceration employment opportunities. One former Pine Grove participant described fighting the August Complex and said the experience helped him transition back to schooling and professional life.
What’s next: Probation will be asked to identify facility point persons, complete the required prescreenings within the 14‑day window, and coordinate quarterly outreach presentations so youth and staff understand eligibility and benefits.
