LA County Shifts Control of Juvenile Detention Programs to New Youth Agency

The move aims to improve services and programming for youth in the county's struggling juvenile justice system.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:48am

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting a lone youth sitting in a sparsely furnished common room of a juvenile detention facility, the space bathed in warm, angled sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of isolation and contemplation.The transition of youth programming to a new county agency aims to provide more opportunities and support for detained juveniles.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles County is transferring control of educational and recreational activities at its juvenile detention facilities from the Probation Department to the Department of Youth Development, a newer agency created in 2022 with the goal of eventually taking over juvenile detention completely. The shift is part of the county's long-stalled 'Youth Justice Reimagined' plan to replace traditional juvenile facilities with smaller, more home-like settings.

Why it matters

The Probation Department has faced ongoing challenges maintaining compliance with state regulations and providing consistent, high-quality programs for youth in its care. This move aims to improve services and programming for justice-involved youth by empowering the Department of Youth Development to lead evidence-informed programming in the facilities.

The details

The Board of Supervisors unanimously supported a motion directing the Department of Youth Development to report back in 30 days with a plan for the 'complete transition of the organizational leadership of programming responsibilities in all youth justice facilities.' The Probation Department has struggled with staffing shortages and compliance issues, while youth have asked for better access to vocational training, financial literacy, and arts programs. The Department of Youth Development is ready to take on the expanded role and hire specialized 'care coordinators' to create unique plans for each youth.

  • The Board of Supervisors motion was approved on April 7, 2026.
  • The Department of Youth Development is expected to report back with a transition plan within 30 days.

The players

Department of Youth Development

A county agency created in 2022 with the goal of eventually taking over juvenile detention facilities in Los Angeles.

Probation Department

The Los Angeles County department currently responsible for operating the juvenile detention facilities, which has faced staffing shortages and compliance issues.

Board of Supervisors

The governing body of Los Angeles County that unanimously approved the motion to transfer programming responsibilities to the Department of Youth Development.

Lindsey Horvath

A Los Angeles County Supervisor who co-authored the motion.

Janice Hahn

A Los Angeles County Supervisor who co-authored the motion.

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What they’re saying

“The timing is right. Our Probation Department is facing a chronic staffing crisis, challenges maintaining compliance with the BSCC and DOJ, and the threat of potential receivership. Amid these challenges, the department has struggled to provide consistent, high-quality programs for the youth in our care.”

— Janice Hahn, Los Angeles County Supervisor

“By empowering DYD to lead evidence-informed programming in these facilities, L.A. County will reduce idleness, improve belonging and strengthen collaborative care for justice-involved youth.”

— David Carroll, Director, Department of Youth Development

“The Department of Youth Development is ready to lead, and this moment calls for urgency and accountability. By further empowering DYD, we are ensuring every young person in our care is met with opportunity, investment and a real chance to thrive.”

— Lindsey Horvath, Los Angeles County Supervisor

What’s next

The Department of Youth Development is expected to report back to the Board of Supervisors within 30 days with a detailed plan for the transition of programming responsibilities from the Probation Department.

The takeaway

This shift in oversight represents a significant step toward Los Angeles County's broader 'Youth Justice Reimagined' plan to reform its juvenile justice system by moving away from traditional detention facilities and toward smaller, more rehabilitative settings. It reflects an acknowledgment that the Probation Department has struggled to provide the necessary services and programming for justice-involved youth, and that empowering a dedicated youth development agency may be a more effective approach.