State Steps In: LA County Juvenile Halls To Be Taken Over

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today, California Attorney General Rob Bonta made a major announcement: He has officially asked a judge to place Los Angeles County’s Juvenile Probation system under receivership – a legal move that could shift control of the juvenile halls away from the County and into the hands of a court-appointed Receiver.

This is the first time in LA County’s 68-year probation history that such an action has been taken – and it’s a direct response to the County’s failure to keep youth safe and support the staff doing the work.

What’s Happening?

• The AG has filed a legal motion to take control of the juvenile halls.

• The motion details repeated failures by the Board of Supervisors (BOS) and Probation leadership, including:

  • Allowing drugs in facilities

  • Ignoring medical needs and education

  • Failing to stop organized fights among youth

• The AG says this crisis must end—and we agree.

Who Is the Receiver?

• The AG has asked the court to appoint Mike Dempsy, the current Monitor already overseeing reform efforts.

• Dempsy knows the issues, knows our department, and knows the failures caused by BOS inaction.

We Stand United as a Probation Coalition with Supervisors & Managers

This move by the AG confirms what we’ve been saying all along: LA County leadership has failed. In response to this morning’s announcement, our union joined with our sister unions in issuing a strong statement as part of the Coalition of L.A. Probation Unions.

We urge all members to read the full press release. Click here.

Together with SEIU Local 721 (representing Supervising Deputy Probation Officers) and the Professional Managers Association, AFSCME Local 1967, we are calling for honest, fact-based reform—not more politics. Check out the Coalition website here.

We told the public:

“The receivership is our opportunity to reshape a broken system, but that won’t happen by sidelining the people who know the work best.”

This is our moment to be heard.

What Does This Mean for You?

The court hearing is scheduled for August 15, 2025. Until then, your job, your schedule, and your contract remain unchanged.

If the court appoints the Receiver:

• The Receiver will take over decisions on staffing, budgeting, and facility operations.

• However, California law (Gov. Code 3500–3511) still applies. That means:

  • Your union contract (MOU) stays in place

  • Your union remains your voice at the table

  • No changes to your working conditions can happen without negotiation

We will meet directly with the Receiver to protect your rights and push for real improvements.

Our Five Demands

The Coalition is pushing for five core priorities during this transition:

1. Protect Union Rights – No union member should be pushed aside during reform.

2. Make Safety the Priority – Fully staffed posts, proper equipment, and protection from harm.

3. Support the Workers Who Show Up – We’re the ones holding the system together.

4. Invest in Training and Working Conditions – Real reform means respect and resources.

5. Include Us in Decisions – We demand a seat at the table, not just a comment box.

Final Word

We are cautiously optimistic. But cautious doesn’t mean passive.

The Coalition of L.A. Probation Unions is united. We will fight for fairness, safety, and the respect you deserve.

Stay informed. Stay connected.

In Solidarity,

AFSCME Local 685 Executive Board