Juvenile arrests and bookings have decreased considerably both nationwide and across California. Dramatic reductions have also occurred specifically in Sacramento County as we have experienced more than an 80% reduction in bookings since 2000. This decline may be attributed to a variety of legislative changes and system reform efforts. Statewide, an infusion of resources supporting evidence-based programs and risk/need assessments began with implementation of the Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act in 2000 and the Youthful Offender Black Grant in 2007. Locally we have collaborated with system partners via the Crossover Youth Practice Model; become more trauma-responsive; and addressed disproportionality through participation in Reduction of Racial and Ethnic Disparities and Implicit Bias training.
Concurrent with the examples mentioned above, the Probation Department has also partnered with other county departments and community based organizations to ensure youth needs are met in the least restrictive setting. These efforts include the Juvenile Justice Diversion and Treatment Program; Juvenile Justice Intervention Services; and Reduction of African-American Child Deaths.
Implementation of the abovementioned strategies has greatly reduced the county's reliance on secure facility settings, supporting closure of both the Warren E. Thornton Youth Center in 2009, and the Sacramento County Boys Ranch in 2010. Moreover, these efforts have driven down the Average Daily Population at the Youth Detention Facility.
