Drug Overdoses at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall Raise Concerns
Three youths at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey were hospitalized on Friday after suffering drug overdoses, sparking renewed scrutiny of a facility that has faced severe criticism and calls for closure. This incident has unfolded against a backdrop of ongoing safety and operational issues.
Incident Overview
According to the Los Angeles County Probation Department, the hospitalized youths received “medical evaluation and treatment related to a possible substance-related incident.” Fortunately, all three have since returned to the facility, stated Vicky Waters, communications director for the department.
Discovery of Contraband
Prior to the overdoses, a substantial amount of Xanax was recovered within the facility, as reported by multiple anonymous sources. Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, was administered during the emergency response.
Waters noted the department is currently investigating how contraband reached the facility and emphasized collaboration with local law enforcement in this matter. No details regarding the recovery of the Xanax or the specifics of the Narcan application were immediately available.
Legal Representation and Family Concerns
Jerod Gunsberg, an attorney representing one of the affected youths, described the troubling circumstances surrounding his client, who was discovered unconscious. “He was taken to the hospital after being found unresponsive, but he has since been moved back to the medical unit,” said Gunsberg.
Gunsberg expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the probation department regarding the incident, highlighting that his client’s family is unable to speak with him and feeling that the facility operates without transparency.
Impact on Facility Operations
In response to the overdose events, the probation department has suspended all visitation to Los Padrinos for the weekend and restricted movements within the facility as part of their ongoing investigation.
This incident highlights long-standing concerns regarding the prevalence of drugs, particularly fentanyl, in Los Angeles County’s juvenile detention centers. In May, the tragic death of 18-year-old Bryan Diaz from a drug overdose at another facility raised alarms about safety protocols.
Regulatory and Staffing Issues
The Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) mandated the closure of Los Padrinos last December due to staffing inadequacies, yet the facility continues to operate. The probation department has faced persistent staffing shortages, with many officers reluctant to work under perceived chaotic conditions. This ongoing situation undermines the facility’s capacity to provide a safe environment for the approximately 230 youths currently detained, many of whom have pending cases for serious offenses.
Continued Oversight and Future Prospects
The department’s defiance of the BSCC’s closure order has drawn further scrutiny, and a California judge is expected to ponder the public defender’s request to release clients detained in what has been acknowledged as an unsafe environment. The next court hearing is scheduled for April 18.
In light of these developments, community advocates and legal representatives like Gunsberg are calling for immediate action to address the issues that have long plagued Los Padrinos. “How this place is still open blows my mind,” he remarked.