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Residents and the district attorney urge more local juvenile treatment after alleged offenses
Summary
Public speakers and the district attorney told the Kings County Board of Supervisors that local therapeutic services for juveniles who offend — including those with autism — are insufficient, citing recent cases where suspects were released to group homes outside the county. Supervisors asked staff for follow-up.
Public speakers and county law enforcement officials urged Kings County leaders on Tuesday to expand local treatment options for juveniles involved in serious offenses and to consider legislative changes to juvenile justice practice.
Valerie Lopez told the board she represents family members of alleged victims and described a case in which a 16‑year‑old with an autism diagnosis was released from custody to a group home outside Kings County after being accused of sex offenses against a 5‑year‑old. “We don't have the help here in Kings County, and we need it,” Lopez said, adding that existing calls to child protective services did not produce needed interventions.
A representative from the district attorney's office said the DA's office opposed the transfer to that group home because it did not provide the services necessary to prevent reoffending. The prosecutor called for “more aggressive treatment, for in‑custody programming regarding crimes involving offenses that involve young children,” and said recent changes in state law and appellate decisions have made some juvenile prosecutions and transfers more difficult.
Supervisor Robert Thayer said staff had already spoken with behavioral health staff after Lopez's remarks and asked for a report back to the board, noting concern that multiple calls to CPS were described as unaddressed. The board did not take formal action but several supervisors indicated interest in adding juvenile behavioral‑health and child‑protection follow‑up to future agendas and to the county's upcoming legislative platform.
Why it matters: County officials and residents described gaps between the services judges, prosecutors, and families say juvenile defendants need and the local treatment available, creating pressure on county staff and elected officials to identify local options, funding and potential policy changes.
What happens next: Supervisors asked staff to follow up; the district attorney previewed a Dec. 8 agenda item to proclaim a “season for safety.” No formal direction or new funding was adopted at the meeting.
