The Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility (OAYRF,) is a discretionary residential commitment program for adolescent males located at 4491 Bixler Rd. in unincorporated Byron, California. This Probation Department facility operates as county juvenile ranch, as per the Welfare and Institutions Code §881. As designed, OAYRF is considered minimum security, and is intended to serve low to moderate risk youth. This facility has a Board of State and Community Corrections rated bed capacity of 100, however emerging research related to adolescent brain develop, and increased investments in community programming and services has impacted trends in both charging and sentencing “delinquent” youth. This has resulted in a reduced reliance on juvenile incarceration and a steady decline in the population at OAYRF.  
  
  
  
In addition to the reduction in population, deferred maintenance has resulted in the need for significant repairs, updates, and renovations, which have been estimated to be $5.4 million based on the most recent estimates.  
  
There are currently 36 Probation Department staff assigned to OAYRF, which could be reassigned throughout the Department. Senate Bills 823 and 92 have precipitated the mandated need for increased officers to support the programs and services for realigned youth.  
  
The Briones Youth Academy, Community Path allows youth the opportunity to engage in the same comprehensive evidence-based programs and services that they would have received at Orin Allen, while remaining at home, in their communities. This minimizes the disruption and impact on youth and families, allowing them to focus on rehabilitative services. The Probation Department, in partnership with community based providers, would see youth seven days a week, and will transport youth to regional locations, three nights a week for cognitive behavioral group programming, as well as provide access to the same recreational program options, such as sailing and hiking trips, on the weekends. Intensive, home-based family therapy, and the ability to serve girls, are two additional advantages of the BYA, Community Path that are unable to be replicated at the Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility.  

The Probation Department will continue to invest resources operating an underutilized facility, and will not be able to fully implement the programs required by Senate Bills 823 and 92.

Speakers: Carlos Fernandez, Safe Return Project, Juvenile Justice Commission; Tamani Drew; Randy Joseph, RYSE; Lonnie Briscoe, Senior Tutors from Rossmoor; Francisco; No name given; Gigi Crowder, Executive Director of NAMI; Julius Vanhook, Rye Scott, Chair Juvenile Justice Commission; Veronica Martinez, Young Womens Freedom Center; Caller 6770;  Addie; Rachel Rosekind; Phil Arnold; Stephanie; Dante, San Pablo; Jane; Doug Leach, Multifaith Action Coalition; Lynn Collins; Cheryl; Teresa Pasquini; Israel; Marisol, Safe Return Project; Jonathon Laba.

Written commentary received from: Meredith Desautels, Youth Attorney; Marisol Cantu (attached).