Oepm1ment of CorrectlOfis and Rehabilitation

Stale of CaHfofnia

Memorandum
MAR 2,
To

Rachel Rios
Chief Deputy

(A}

Caiif()rnia Department ()fC'orrections and Reh21hililL1tion

Division or Jnvenile Justice
Subject

REVlE\V OF TilE OFFICE OF SPECIAL !\IASTER'S IDENTIFIED CONCERNS;
VENTURA YOUTH CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

On March 1, 2011, the Ot1ke
the Special Master ()S!vl) ror the matter of Forrell v. C'ate
identified Ihnr concerns regarding Ventura Youth Correctional Facility (\lCYF). 111
to
the OSlv1'$ raised concerns. the Oflicc
Audits and Court ComplianCe (OACC), Juvenile
Court CmnpLiancc' Bl'anch (.ICC B), conducted a review at \lYC]" on March 3 and 4, 2011.
f\ttached.
find the
lindings contniJ1ing
results of til is re\'lt"v.
direc't

Ihis rcpon to John Blackwell, Captain, JCCB.

al.(916) 262·1538.

cc:

Cam.pbcll, Special Master
John Chen, Deputy Special Master
Belz, Deputy S pcci,lIMastcr
Barry
Safety & Welll11'c Expert
Sandra YOllngcn, Division of Juvenile Justice
Dorene Nylund, Division Juvenile Justice
John Blackwell,
Andits and
Doug Ugarkovich, Divisio!1 of.l uvenile Justice
omcc of Audits and
Complianee
of Audits and Comt

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and

REVIEW OF IDENTIFIED CONCERNS
VENTURA YOUTH
CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

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Executive Summary
On March 1, 2011, the Office of the Special Master (OSM) identified four concerns to the
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Division of Juvenile Justice
(DJJ), regarding Ventura Youth Correctional Facility (VYCF). Specifically, the OSM's four
concerns include:
1. The occurrence of 23 & 1 Programs;
2. Treatment services provided to a female Mental Health (MH) youth,
3. Uninvolved youth placed on restricted programs resulting from the actions of youth on
different living units; and
4. Disparities between male and female athleticlrecreational programs.
On March I, 2011, Michael K. Brady, Assistant Secretary, Office of Audits and Court
Compliance, directed John Blackwell, Captain, and Eric Fransham, Parole Agent III, to review
the concerns and report findings thereof. On March 3 and 4, 20 II, Captain Blackwell and PA-III
Fransham conducted an on-site review at VYCF.

Summary of Findings
23 & 1 Programs
• Male youth in low core, high core, and behavior treatment programs (BTPs) and female
youth do not receive 180 minutes of out-of-room time while place in Temporary
Detention (TD), Treatment Intervention Programs (TIP), and Program Change Protocols
(PCPs). Out-of-room time averages 40 minutes daily for each respective restrictive
program.
• In one instance, a living unit supervisor made a log notation directing staff not to program
TD youth.
• The living unit dining area, shower area, and laundry room are utilized to program youth
on restricted program.
• VYCF lacks adequate program space to provide out-of-room program to restricted
program youth without disrupting regular programs.
• Youth on restricted programs are prohibited from outdoor recreation.
• TIP encompasses less than 10% of restricted programs. On the BTP, "Solo Program" is
used in lieu of TIP. Youth on "Solo Program" are not entered into the Ward Information
Network's (WIN) Mandated Services section.
• The number of youth placed on PCP is not accurately reported to DJJ Headquarters.
• Youth are placed on PCP without being entered into WIN's Mandated Services section.
• Educational services are not provided to youth placed on TD, TIP, or PCP after the first
72 hours of placement into low core, high core, BTP and female living units.
• DJJ Headquarters does not monitor mandated services provided to youth placed on PCP.
• DJ] Headquarters' oversight of TD and TIP mandated services does not incorporate a
Corrective Action Plan (CAP) process to resolve deficiencies.

liD III

Review ofIdentified Concerns, 23 & 1, Ventura Youth Correctional Facility

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Youth 7
7 appropriateness for plaeement
• Youth'" is appropriately placed at VYCF.
• Youth ' - ' i s refusing to attend regular education classes, fearing assaults from peers.
• Current strategies to reintegrate youth ~ into general education, including counseling
and DDMS, have been, to date, ineffective.
• No altemative educational programs are provided to youth - .
Uninvolved youth placed on restrieted programs resulting from the aetions of youth on
different living units
• During emergency Code-3 security operations, all youth are placed on a limited program
until the security response is complete and order restored. Average duration of program
restrictions ranged from one to three hours and is based on institutional need. No
significant findings were noted.
Disparities between male and female athletie and recreational programs
• Limited structured intramural sports programs are available to VYCF youth in addition to
school physical education classes and living unit recreational activities. No significant
disparities were identified between male and female programs.

Review of Identified Concerns, 23 & 1, Ventura Youth Correctional Facility

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23 & 1 Programs
A review of male low core, high core, BTP, and female living units was conducted. TD, TIPs
and PCPs were reviewed from each of these four living unit types.
The documents reviewed include:
•

•
•
•
•

California Code of Regulations, Title 15, Division 4, Juvenile Facilities; WIN Alternative
Program palette; WIN Mandated Services palette; living unit Program Service Day (PSD)
schedules; living unit logs; Temporary Departmental Order (TOO) 07-83, "Delivery of
Mandated Services"; TOO 07-84, "Program Change Protocol"; TOO 07-85, "Temporary
Detention"; Institutions and Camps (l&C) Manual, Sections 7200-7260, "Restricted
Program, Procedures for Treatment Intervention Plan"; Memoranda from Sandra K.
Youngen, Director of Facilities, dated January 3, 20 I I and January 31, 20 II, entitled,
"Temporary Detention Program Reporting" (Attachment 0 I);
Mandated Services Out of Room Minutes for the week of February 13,2011, to February
19,2011 (Attachment 02);
Memorandum from David Finley, Superintendent, dated March 3, 2011 entitled,
"Treatment Intervention Plan Reporting" (Attachment 03);
"Weekly Out of Room Program Deficiencies by Percentage" report (Attachment 04); and
Local memoranda and correspondence.

In addition, interviews with facility administration, management, Senior Youth Correctional
Counselors (SYCCs), Youth Correctional Counselors (YCCs) and youth were conducted.
Male low core, high core, and BTP units and female living units
Services provided in the sampling of male low core, high core, and BTP units as well as female
programs indicated that youth meet or exceed three hours of out-of-room time. A review of
living unit PSD schedules in comparison to observations of living unit operations confirmed that
an excess of the minimum required 180 minutes of out-of-room time is provided to youth.
Restricted Programs (TD, TIP, PCP)
A review of the California Code of Regulations, Title IS, Division 4, Juvenile Facilities, Section
1371, Recreation and Exercise, subsections d-f (Attachment 05), was completed. This section
states:
(d) The exercise program shall include the opportunity for at least one hour of outdoor
physical activity each day, weather permitting. In the event weather does not permit
outdoor physical activity, at least one hour each day of exercise involving large muscle
activities shall be provided.
(e) Juvenile facilities shall provide the opportunity for recreation and exercise a minimum
of three hours a day during the week and five hours a day each Saturday, Sunday or other
non-school days, of which one hour shall be large muscle exercise, as noted in item (d)
above. Such recreation and exercise schedule shall be posted in the living units.
Review of Identified Concerns, 23 & 1, Ventura Youth Correctional Facility

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(I) The administrator/manager may suspend for a period not to extend 24 hours, access to

recreation. However, minors on disciplinary status shall continue to have an opportunity
for a minimum of one hour of large muscle exercise. That one hour of exercise may be
suspended only upon a written finding by the administrator/manager that the minor
represents a threat to the safety and security of the facility.
Youth at VYCF remain on their assigned living unit when placed on restricted program.
Although restricted programs are included in living unit PSD schedules (see Attachment 06),
actual program times vary significantly from the times scheduled. Out-of-room services for
I'estricted program youth generally occur when regular program youth are not engaged in
activities. Restricted program youth are routinely provided multiple short program periods as
opposed to a single block of time.
Deficits exist in providing the minimum out-of-room time (180 minutes daily) for youth placed
on TD and TIP in male low core, high core, BTP and female programs. A review of WIN
records from February 1,201 I, to February 28, 2011, indicated 93 youth were on restricted
program. Of those, 16 youth were placed on restricted program more than three days, totaling
110 days. The first and last day of each youth's restricted program placement was omitted from
review, as youth may have received unrecorded services prior to or after the conclusion of their
placement. The remaining 78 records were reviewed. Of those 78 records, 5,770 out-of-room
minutes were provided, averaging 74 minutes per day, or 41 % of the minimum requirement of
180 minutes daily. Ten of the 78 records reflect a youth's refusal to participate in all or part of
their out-of-room services, totaling 1,035 minutes. Given credit for refused minutes, an
additional seven minutes can be added to the average 74 minutes per day, for a daily average of
87 (48%) out-of-room minutes. ]2 of 78 (]5%) records met the 180 minute minimum daily
standard (see Attachment 07).
Number of Youth· on

Re'stri:c~~~prog'ram
(TO or TIP)

I'

93
Number ofOut~of-Room Minutes

Received
5.770

Number ofYouth on Restricted
Program 3 Days or More

16
Average Daily Out-of-Room Minutes

74

Total·Number.ofRestricted Program

Days for Youth PI~c~~~or More Days
(after omitting first and last day)
78
Percentage of Out-ot-Room Minutes
Provided
41%

Tern porary Detention Findings

A review of TD and TIP placements from January 1, 20] 1, to January 31, 2011, indicate ] 84
youth were placed on TD or TIP (Attachment 08). Although requirements for TD placement are
significantly more stringent than that ofT1P, ]68 of the ]84 (9]%) youth were placed on TD as
opposed to T1P. The remaining] 6 youth (9%) were placed on TlP.
A review of TD programs for male low core, high core, BTP, and female programs indicated
significant deficits in meeting minimum standards for out-of-room time in each program
category.
Review of Identified Concerns, 23 & 1, Ventura Youth Correctional Facility

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Youth in all program groups consistently reported reeeiving less than the mandated 180 minutes
of out-of-room time while plaeed on restricted program. Youth reports of out-of-room time
range from 30 minutes to three hours; one hour daily was most commonly reported. The primary
factors impacting the amount of program time allotted were reported to be the amount of youth
on TD, scheduled living unit activities, whether or not staff liked the individual youth, and the
day of the week. More program time is generally provided on weekends than weekdays.
When asked how much out-of-room time youth should be provided while on TD, living unit staff
consistently stated, "Three hours. One hour of program, one hour of education and one hour of
counseling." The consistent theme reported by living unit staff regarding the inability to provide
mandated services included inadequate facilities to accommodate TD programs, stringent
mandates for youth participating in the regular program, lack of time, and lack of staff resources.
Living unit staff consistently reported that priority is given to providing services to youth
participating in the regular program. Youth on TD are accommodated when time permits.
In one instance, a Monte Vista log entry by the SYCC, dated February 28, 2011, informed staff
that four youth had been extended on TD, then directed staff not to program them.
A March I, 20 II, log notation on the same unit stated youth TD programs were restricted to 40
minutes due to time constraints.
In fairness to facility staff, attempts to meet out-of-room time mandates were noted. Repeated
log notations indicated youth were brought out of their rooms multiple times during the same day
in 30 minute to one hour increments. However, in most incidents, out-of-room time failed to
meet the three hour minimum.
Treatment Intervention Program (TIP) Findings
Out-of-room time provided to youth placed on TIP status is consistent with that of youth placed
on TD. Services provided to both groups are synonymous. Out-of-room time averages 40
minutes daily.
Placement on TIP comprises less than ten percent of youth placed on restricted program and is
not utilized by all living units. For example, the Monte Vista BTP utilizes "solo program" and
TD but does not utilize the TIP program. Of the 40 Monte Vista youth placed on restricted
program from January 1,2011, to February 28, 2011, there were no instances of youth placed on
TIP. Monte Vista living unit staff report that TIP is not a program they prefer to use.
Program Change Protocol Findings
A review of TDO 07-84, "Program Change Protocol; WIN Alternative Program records; WIN
Mandated Service Records; Program Status Reports, dated December 23, 20 I0, to December 30,
2010; January 8, 20 II to January 13, 20 II; January 8, 20 II, to January 27, 20 II;
February 14, 20 II, to February 18, 20 II; February 14, 20 II, to February 22, 20 II; February 26,
2011, to February 28, 2011 (Attachment 09); and living unit logs was completed. In addition,
interviews with facility administration, management, SYCCs, YCCs, and youth were conducted.
Review of Identified Concerns, 23 & 1, Ventura Youth Correctional Facility

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PCP is the most restnctlve Alternative Program, in comparison to TD and TIP, and can
incorporate uninvolved youth. In one instance, Casa de Alma youth were placed on restricted
program from January 8, 20 II, to January 28, 20 II (20 days). Restrictions as identified on
Program Status Reports include: no educational services, no recreational time out-of-room, no
visiting and no phone calls.
Of the six PCPs reviewed, inconsistencies were identified in the number of youth placed in the
WIN Alternative Programs palette versus the number reported to DJJ Headquarters in Program
Status Reports. In February 2011, VYCF reported 13 impacted youth in three separate incidents,
while 21 youth were placed on PCP status according to WIN Alternative Program records. 62%
of the youth placed on PCP in February were not reported as affected youth in Program Status
RepOlts.
Educational Services Provided to Restrieted Program Youth
TDO 07-83, "Delivery of Mandated Services, Education," states: "A youth shall be provided
education services by the third day after placement on a restricted program." A review of
educational services provided to TD, TIP, and PCP youth on male low core, high core, BTP, and
female units was conducted.
Interviews with youth indicate educational services are not available or are infrequently provided
while youth are on a restricted program. One youth reported he was offered educational services
on one occasion during a two-week restricted program. Other youth consistently reported that
educational services were not provided or that they were offered a recreational book in lieu of
educational services.
Living unit staff consistently reported educational services are not routinely available to youth on
restricted program for all program types reviewed.
The school Principal confirmed the accounts reported by youth and living unit staff. As a result
of significant teacher vacancies, the school administration expressed that there were difficulties
in providing educational services to programming youth. Resources are not currently available
to provide educational services to youth on restricted programs without negatively impacting
existing class schedules.
A review of WIN Alternative Program records was conducted. 91 youth were placed on PCP,
TD, or TIP for a minimum of four or more days from January 1,2011, to February 28, 2011
(Attachment 10). As defined in the PCP definition, youth placed on PCP can incur restrictions of
mandated services and therefore have been excluded from this review: "The suspension of any
operation, procedure, service or function to prevent, isolate, contain, or control a disruption of
orderly operations caused by a youth initiated disturbance, natural disaster or external stimulus
has provisions for the restriction of mandated services." Of the 22 remaining youth placed on
TD and TIP, 10 (45%) records were randomly selected for review (Attachment 11). Of the ten
records reviewed, zero (0%) documented the required provision of educational services.

Review of Identified Concerns, 23 & ), Ventura Youth Correctional Facility

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Mandated Services Accurately Recorded in WIN
Mandated services recorded in WIN, in comparison with the same services documented in the
living unit logs (Attachment 12), indicate out-of-room hours in WIN are consistent with the
services recorded in living unit log notations. The percentage of out-of-room time recorded in
the living unit logs averaged 94 minutes per day per youth in comparison to 99 minutes per day
per youth as recorded in WIN.

Program Space
Program areas for restricted program youth include the dayroom when available, living unit
dining area, and in some instances, the shower room and laundry room.
After an incident in January 2011 involving a restricted program youth jumping the back patio
fence and instigating a group disturbance, the back patios are no longer offered to restricted
program youth. The dayroom is used when available, but the kitchen is also commonly utilized.
Both living unit staff and youth have reported the shower room is used as a program area on
infrequent occasions. A February 26, 2011, Casa de Alma log notation states in part, "1830
program in shower to 1930. Shower room while cleaning kitchen."

DJJ Headquarters' Oversight of Restricted Programs
OJJ Headquarters personnel conduct monthly reviews of a randomly selected week from each
facility's previous month's TO and TIP mandated service records to monitor compliance.
Deficits are identified, and facilities are required to submit a written explanation within three
weeks of receipt. The inquiry for December 20 10 was submitted to VYCF on January 3, 2011.
The facility's response was received by DJJ Headquarters two months later, on March 2, 2011,
after OACC requested the documents. Although the process requires a justification for deficits
identified in the sampling, corrective actions are not incorporated into the process to prevent
repeated occurrences of deficits.
In one case reviewed, youth
continues to be alternated back and forth
between TIP and TO programs, permitting the restricted program approval process to restart at
the lowest level, subsequently delaying the Director of Facilities' review. To date, the youth has
been on restricted program since February 20, 2011, without approval beyond the facility level:
02/20111
02/23/1 I
02/24/1 I
03/02/1 I
03/16111
03/18/11
03/21/11

Placed on TO
Released from
Released from
Released from
Released from
Released from
Released from

TO and placed on TIP
TIP and placed on TO
TO and placed on TIP
TIP and placed on TO
TO and placed on TO
TO and placed on TO

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Review ofIdentified Concerns, 23 & 1, Ventura Youth Correctional Facility

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Although OJJ Headquarters staff monitor mandated services for youth placed on TO and TIP,
there is no Headquarters review of mandated services provided to PCP youth. This lack of
oversight may be problematic considering the restrictive nature of PCP.
As recorded in an Initial Program Status Report dated January 11,201 1,38 Casa de Alma youth
were placed on PCP status and identified as affected youth. Although the program restriction
initiated on January 11, 2011, youth were not entered into the WIN Mandated Services palette
until a week later on January, 18,201 1.

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Review of Identified Concerns, 23 & I, Ventura Youth Correctional Facility

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, is an 18 year old female committed to the California Department of
Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) on September 16,
2010, from Los Angeles County for WIC6021777 change of order PC245 (a) (1) assault with
force likely to produce great bodily injury.
arrived at VYCF on September 14, 2010,
and was subsequently assigned to Buenaventura (BY) Mental Health (MH) living unit, where she
remains to date.
The OSM requested a review of youth
7 program, appropriateness for placement and
services provided by DJJ. To assess the above request, a review of WIN records encompassed
an examination of General Education, Disciplinary Decision Making System (DDMS),
Alternative Program, Mandated Services, MH Chronos, Testing History, Suicide Risk Screening
Questionnaire (SRSQ) Activity, Case Conference, Use of Force and Grievances, living unit log
notations and School Consultation Team (SCT) referrals was completed. Interviews with facility
administration; Supervising Casework Specialist (SCWS) Carla Yiazcan; Treating Psychologist
Dr. Amanda Wolf; Mary B. Perry High School Principal Art Westerfield; SCT Coordinator
Cynthia McCue; living unit staff and youth Avila were conducted.

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Since youth
arrival to VYCF on September 14, 2010, she has posed unique challenges to
treatment staff.
is a MH youth diagnosed with severe anxiety disorder. Since her DJJ
commitment,
.;
has been placed on Suicide Risk Reduction (SRR) status on three
occasions (October 29,2010, January 12, 2011 and February 24, 2011) for a total of 80 days.
Additionally,
has been placed on TD as a danger to others on five occasions
(September 14,2010, September 22, 2010, November 22,2010, December 9,2010 and January
10, 2011) for a total of 70 days (Attachment 13). Youth _
MH deficits coupled with
entrenchment into the gang sub-culture (MS-13), a lack of appropriate social skills, and verbal
disrespect to peers have proven problematic in her adjustment at VYCF.
MH Chronos (Attachment J 4) records 99 contacts with a mental health professional since youth
arrival to VY CF on September 14, 20 IO. A review of grievance records and staff
misconduct complaints filed by VYCF youth indicate
. has not tiled a grievance or staff
misconduct complaint during her placement. Use of Force records indicate seven incidents in
which force was deployed, to include: Mechanical 7, Chemical 4 and Physical 2 incidents
(Attachment 15).

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Youth _ h a s been assaulted six times since her placement. The first incident occurred within
hours of her arrival and the last incident occurred Thursday, February 24, while attending a
religious program.
: ; reports being fearful for her safety and has refused to attend school
since January 7, 2011. Living unit staff respond to the absenteeism in accordance with the
Educational Remedial Plan, documenting the truancies via DDMS. From January 7, 2011, to
March 18, 2011, II ; I has acquired 23 Level-2 behavior reports for truancy and 12 Level-2
behavior reports for program failure (Attachment 16).
Dispositions range from verbal
counseling to restricting out-of-room time: As of the conclusion of the on-site review,
March 4, 2011, alternative educational services have not been provided.

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Treatment Services Provided to

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On February 10, 20 11, an SCT consultation was requested by Phillip Ramirez, Teacher
(Attachment 17). On February 24, 2011, a treatment team case conference convened, also
recommending an SCT referral (Attachment 18). The second SCT referral was completed by
Girad Conn, Teacher, and submitted the same day, February 24, 2011 (Attachment 19). At the
conclusion of the on-site review, the SCT consultation had not occurred.
Youth "expressed an interest in attending school and was concerned about how the behavior
repOlis for truancy and program failure would negatively impact her program. However,
concerns for her safety outweigh program concerns.
indicated she would be willing to
attend class if she would be escorted by staff before or after the scheduled class change and if she
could attend Classroom A-6, Special Day Class (SOC).
Youth" explained Classroom A-6 is the only classroom where she feels safe as the teacher
is "all about peace" and non-violence is emphasized as the classroom theme.
believes
none of the youth attending Classroom A-6 would attack her. Because youth'" is not
identified as a special education student, it is prohibitive by the California Education Code for
her to participate in what is considered a more restrictive educational environment.
Youth'" indicated she felt safe On the living unit in the presence of the staff, whom she
described as, alert and attentive.
articulated if she is attacked on the living unit, staff
rationale for not wanting to attend school is if she is
will intervene quickly. Youth 1
attacked in a classroom, the teacher has to activate an alarm to initiate a security response that
will take several minutes.
J

The treating Psychologist, Dr. Wolf, indicated that, despite the challenges posed by youth ~
she is appropriately placed at VYCF. Dr. Wolf described youth
issues as "peer-conflict
related" as opposed to gang-related and believes •
is not endangered. Dr. Wolf
indicated
pounds her hands against the wall when upset or acting out but does not
is suicidaL When encountered with social adversity, E
F reports hearing
believe
voices that subside when her interactions with peers improve. Dr. Wolf reported
. is
enrolled in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and is making personal growth.

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sews Viazcan reported Youth

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lack of appropriate social skills is the most significant
factor prohibiting positive relationships with peers. In a recent incident,
was "playing
with the feelings of another girl" that resulted in the majority of the youth on the living unit
outside the social circles
starting to dislike
. These types of interactions keep •
of her peers. sews Viazcan acknowledged being aware of Youth • ' s school refusal. Plans
discussed at the February 24, 2011, case conference included enrollment in SOC, staff escorts to
and from school, encouragement of positive interactions with other youth, and continued
participation in DBT to develop social skills and self-confidence.
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Mary B. Perry High School Principal Ali Westerfield, acknowledged receipt of the two SCT
referrals submitted on February 10 and 24, 2011. Principal Westerfield indicated he would
ensure a SCT consultation occurred the following week and furthermore see that homework is
in the interim. Principal Westerfield stated he is prohibited from placing a
provided to •
general education student in a special education classroom; however, if deemed warranted, he
would ensure an expeditious Individual Education Plan (IEP) process.

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In the case of youth
• a lack of cooperation and cohesiveness· was observed between
academic and treatment management teams. School administrators stated it is the responsibility
of the treatment team to get youth to school and expressed frustration in regards to the lack of
participation in treatment team decisions. The treatment team expressed their own feelings of
frustration in regards to the lack of intervention and assistance from the schooL In the interim,
youth~ continues to receive DDMS, and no educational services are being provided.

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Uninvolved Yonth Placed on Restricted Programs Resulting From the Actions of Youth on
Different Living Units
VYCF youth reported concerns to the Deputy Special Master of the OSM regarding program
restrictions implemented as a result of the actions of other youth. Specifically, low core
programs placed on restricted program ensuing group disturbances occurring on high core living
units.
The methodology utilized to ascertain the information regarding the above included evaluation of
male low core, high core, BTP, and female living units. Interviews with facility administration,
management, SYCCs, and YCCs were eonducted. Review of WIN as well as youth on each of
the identified living units were interviewed.
There were several instances in the months of January and February in which the Facility was
placed on emergency security operations. These incidences occurred on January 8, 20 II,
January 11,2011, and February 14,2011. Emergency Security Operation is generally the result
of a Code-3 response in which multiple youth are involved in a group disturbance or there has
been an escape or escape attempt. VYCF has three levels of security responses to include: code1, code-2 and code-3. Code-I is the least serious security response and code-3 is the most
senous response.
Facility administrators state that normal operations are modified to accommodate the security
response and ensure the safety and accountability of youth. Documentation and interviews
indicate that youth who were not on a living unit in which a group disturbance occurred, are
returned to normal program upon the conclusion of security operations and after the receipt of
administrative approval.
Youth consistently reported they were placed in their rooms for periods ranging from one to
three hours, then resumed normal program. Female youth are less impacted by the security
operations. Additionally, all youth interviewed indicated restrictions were brief and intermittent.
A review of living unit logs indicate that youth returned to normal program within hours of an
emergency security operation.
Multiple staff were interviewed regarding the length of time needed to return the facility to
normal operations after an emergency security operation. VYCF staff stated that the use of
emergency security operations is infrequent and generally lasts approximately an hour before the
facility is returned to normal program.
The slowest reintegration of youth, not involved in a security incident, occurred after the January
8, 20 II, and January 11, 2011, incidents on the Casa de Alma living unit. These incidents were
the result of two group disturbances. The latter incident resulted in a security operation that
lasted about three hours before the security operation was resolved.
Administrative staff reported that several hours were needed on the Casa de Alma living unit to
ensure that all youth, who were involved in the emergency security operation, were correctly
identified.
Uninvolved Youth Placed on Restricted Programs

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Disparities between Male and Female Athletic and Recreational Programs
VYCF female youth reported concerns to the Deputy Special Master regarding athletic and
recreational program disparities offered to female youth verses like activities provided male
youth. Specifically, athletic programs were reported to be available disproportionately to male
and female youth. California Code of Regulations, Title 15, Division 4, Section 1371, (a), states:
"Equivalent programming for both female and male minors shall exist for all recreation
programs."
Document reviews include: living unit log notations, PSD schedules, recreational schedules,
memorandums and correspondence were completed. Interviews with facility administration,
school Principal, living unit managers, living unit staff and female youth were completed.
As of March 21, 2011, VYCF is comprised of 229 male youth and 51 female youth for a total
population of 280 youth. Male youth comprise 82% of the total facility population while female
youth make up the remaining 18%. Female youth are housed in two living units, Mira Loma and
Buena Ventura.
CUITently, football is the only intramural sports program at VYCF for both male and female
youth. Female youth made the request to play in a girl's football league. This request was
approved by the facility administration. Shortly thereafter, youth on one of the two female living
units (Mira Loma), lost interest and declined to play. This resulted in the end of the football
activity for the female youth. Female youth have expressed interest in several other recreation
programs such as eheerleading, drill team, basketball, and soccer. However, these programs are
not available.
Athletic equipment is provided to youth on both male and female living units. Field recreational
activities, the gym, and the swimming pool are scheduled for both male and female youth. An
increased emphasis may be placed on male youth athletics during football season, as a result of
increased interest from the male youth.
Living unit staff indicate that female youth are more likely to decline outdoor activities in winter
months in comparison to male youth. Staff also report that female youth are provided more
opportunities to utilize the swimming pool in the summer months and are afforded activities not
offered to male youth, such as shopping in the community.

Disparities Between Male and Female Athletic and Recreational Programs

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