The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission is established under the provisions of California Government Code Section 31000.1 and Welfare and Institutions Code Sections 225 to 233, and in compliance with SCCC § 2.38.060.
(prior code § 3.07.010; Ord. 1198, 1966; Ord. 5455 § 1, 2024)
The purpose of the Commission is to assist the Juvenile Court with monitoring the safety and well-being of youth housed in local facilities and to prevent youth from becoming involved in the juvenile justice system.
(Ord. 5455 § 1, 2024)
(A) 
The Commission shall consist of 15 voting members who have experience and interest related to juvenile justice and delinquency prevention issues, appointed as follows:
(1) 
Five at-large members as appointed by the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, with the concurrence of the Judge of the Juvenile Court; and
(2) 
Ten members, two from each supervisorial district who may reside or work within the Supervisor's district, as nominated by the individual Supervisor, with the nomination approved by a majority of the Board of Supervisors and appointment made by the Superior Court pursuant to subsection (C) of this section.
At least two of the above members shall be between the ages of 14 and 21 years of age.
(B) 
The Commission shall also have two ex officio, nonvoting members: the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court or their designee, and the Chief Probation Officer or their designee.
(C) 
Following the nomination of a member by the Board of Supervisors pursuant to subsection (A)(2) of this section, the nomination shall be submitted to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court for appointment with the concurrence of the Judge of the Juvenile Court. If the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, with the concurrence of the Juvenile Judge, declines to appoint any individual nominated by the Board of Supervisors as set forth above, the Board will nominate and forward another candidate for consideration, and will repeat that process as necessary until all vacant seats are filled.
(Ord. 5455 § 1, 2024)
(A) 
Members shall serve a term of four years in accordance with SCCC § 2.38.100. Vacancies shall be filled in accordance with SCCC § 2.38.200.
(B) 
Once the Presiding Judge has accepted a nomination for appointment, the appointed member shall appear before the Presiding Judge and take an oath of office to faithfully perform the duties of a Commission member and begin their term of office.
(Ord. 5455 § 1, 2024)
(A) 
General Organization. The Commission shall comply in all respects with SCCC § 2.38.110 through § 2.38.280, unless otherwise provided herein.
(B) 
Officers. The Commission shall elect a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson annually.
(C) 
Staff Support. The Probation Department shall provide administrative staff support for the Commission in accordance with SCCC § 2.38.190.
(Ord. 5455 § 1, 2024)
The Commission shall hold the following powers and duties in achieving its purpose:
(A) 
Juvenile Justice Functions. In assisting the Juvenile Court with protecting the safety and well-being of youth housed in local facilities, the Commission:
(1) 
Shall annually inspect any publicly administered facility or institution within the County, including Juvenile Hall and, if applicable, any jail or lockup, used during the preceding calendar year for the confinement or detention of any youth under the age of 18 for more than 24 hours;
(2) 
Shall provide a written report of its inspection findings and recommendations to the Juvenile Court, Board of Supervisors, and the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC);
(3) 
May hold public hearings related to administration of the above-referenced facilities or institutions as necessary, including requesting from the Juvenile Judge any subpoenas to require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documents at the hearings; and
(4) 
May annually inspect and inquire into the operation of any group home, or equivalent licensed congregate care facility, located within the County that serves wards or dependent children, with advanced notice and in accordance with the terms and provisions set forth in California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 229.5.
(B) 
Delinquency Prevention Functions. In seeking to prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system, the Commission may:
(1) 
Advocate for needed youth-focused services by engaging with county agencies, schools, community groups, and other nongovernmental organizations to improve access to family services, healthcare, housing, education, employment, and other opportunities.
(2) 
Promote effective and accessible prevention, early intervention, and diversion programs and services that are equity-focused, trauma-informed, and utilize evidence-based practices.
(3) 
Support and engage in outreach activities, community forums, and other events related to advancing positive youth development and reducing delinquency risk factors.
(C) 
Other Related Functions. The Commission may also carry out the following specific functions:
(1) 
Advise the Board of Supervisors and the Juvenile Court of pending Federal and State legislation and communicate policy concerns and recommendations regarding such legislation.
(2) 
Serve on other relevant local advisory bodies, if invited, and as assigned by the Chair of the Commission.
(3) 
Advise the Board of State and Community Corrections, as permitted under California Penal Code Section 6030, and other State bodies as authorized by law.
(D) 
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to allow the Commission to directly participate in an open juvenile court case unless permitted by law or become involved in the day-to-day operations of the Probation Department.
(Ord. 5455 § 1, 2024)
Commission members shall adhere to the confidentiality provisions of California Welfare and Institutions Code Sections 10850 and 827, and any other applicable Federal or State law, in viewing and accessing juvenile case files, social services records, and any other privileged information received in the discharge of their duties.
(Ord. 5455 § 1, 2024)