Los Angeles County received $88 million for youth justice programs during the 2021–22 fiscal year but spent only around 11 percent of these funds. The state auditor’s report highlighted significant concerns about the county’s allocation and stewardship of funds intended for youth on probation. Specifically, the Los Angeles County Department of Probation has yet to utilize tens of millions of dollars. This lapse has led to critical programs remaining underfunded, leaving at-risk youth without the support they need.
According to State Auditor Grant Parks, only $9.7 million of the allocated funds have been spent. The initial funds were intended for 26 programs, services, and goods, but the county had implemented only six by June 2024. These delays have left the county open to scrutiny and calls for a more in-depth investigation to ensure proper use of taxpayer money.
Reasons and Consequences
The audit identified several key reasons for the low spending rate, including a lengthy program determination period and delays in delivering services. Additionally, other departments did not charge against the funding on time. As a result, many critical programs for rehabilitating at-risk youth are not yet operational. These shortcomings are particularly glaring given the dissolution of California’s Division of Juvenile Justice and the subsequent transfer of youth probation cases to county departments.
“Has yet to spend tens of millions of dollars in funding the State issued to assist the county in providing rehabilitative services for youth” – State Auditor Grant Parks
The Los Angeles County Probation Oversight Commission reported that as of July 2023, 342 youth were detained in juvenile halls. Despite the Probation Department’s annual budget nearing $1 billion, many programs designed to support and rehabilitate young individuals remain pending. This situation has prompted calls for measures to ensure timely fund utilization and enhanced accountability.
Future Steps and Recommendations
The state auditor recommended specific actions to hasten the implementation of youth justice programs. These include forming weekly staff working groups and setting deadlines for finalizing agreements with service providers. It’s imperative for county officials to act quickly to rectify the mismanagement and deliver meaningful outcomes for at-risk youth.
“Despite the pace of spending not being consistent with desired results, the Probation Department is providing services for … youth that align with the needs of a generally emerging adult population,” – Chief Probation Officer Guillermo Viera Rosa
Changes are long overdue, and this audit underscores the urgent need to review and reform the county’s processes. Without these necessary adjustments, Los Angeles risks not only accumulating unspent funds but also failing the young individuals the programs are supposed to serve.
