LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County education officials passed a resolution calling for the immediate release of students detained in juvenile halls and camps to protect their health and well-being in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resolution advocates for the release of students currently incarcerated or awaiting trial who are nonviolent offenders, have compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions, are nearing the end of their camp placement and who pose no danger to themselves or others.
The Los Angeles County Office of Education, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Probation Department, operates fully accredited high schools that offer comprehensive educational services to young people detained in the county’s juvenile halls and camps. The programs currently serve some 600 students, most of whom are young men of color.
The release of juveniles from camps and halls would require court approval under state law.
“The health and safety of students and staff in our Juvenile Court Schools are top priorities for us,” county Board of Education President James Cross said. “Our resolution aims to protect these young people and their ability to succeed in school.”
L.A. County Office of Education Superintendent Debra Duardo said her office is dedicated to providing a model instructional program, but “learning cannot happen in an unsafe or fearful environment — and unfortunately, that is the condition right now in these locked facilities.”
She said that following vital hygiene and social distancing directives is extremely difficult at the moment.
“Vulnerable youth are at risk of exposure to the coronavirus, and that is not acceptable,” Duardo said.
Officials said LACOE school counselors could work with students to identify a sound educational placement upon release. Students not enrolling in their schools of residence would be welcomed to attend a LACOE county community school if appropriate, if the resolution is approved.
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ryan says
Why let them out, so they can get the virus? As long as they are not exposed to any outside individuals they will be safer staying where they are.
Random Stranger says
If you were liberal, you might have better reading comprehension. Here, let me read it to you.
“The resolution advocates for the release of students currently incarcerated or awaiting trial who are nonviolent offenders, have compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions, are nearing the end of their camp placement and who pose no danger to themselves or others.”
Eric says
Lmao, I work in the juvenile halls and camps. There are no nonviolent youths being detained for the past 3 years. All the kids left in the system are mostly gang members and they have no interest in telling the truth. They will all run to the nurse and make up illnesses to get out
Eric says
Liberals are so dumb. These kids for the most part are there due to violent crimes as well as they DONT attend school. There is a good reason they are detained. The county has already let loose the ones they could.
Magnetlady says
I totally agree, these are ”At Risk” kids who have ”dropped out of school”.. Keep them where they are for now, at least they’re getting an EDUCATION, while other kids are NOT in school now.. It would serve NO ONE in the Communities any good, since the Stay-At-Home orders.. These are KIDS, who probably can’t wait to be with their ”Homies” & may spread this even more!! At least their Parents KNOW WHERE THEY ARE!!