BILL NUMBER: SB 1589	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Romero

                        FEBRUARY 24, 2006

   An act to add Section 1756.5 to the Welfare and Institutions Code,
relating to the Division of Juvenile Justice.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 1589, as introduced, Romero  Division of Juvenile Justice:
specialized programming.
   The Division of Juvenile Justice is vested with all the powers,
functions, duties, responsibilities, obligations, liabilities, and
jurisdiction of the former Youth Authority. The Division of Juvenile
Justice consists of the Division of Juvenile Facilities, the Division
of Juvenile Programs, and the Division of Juvenile Parole Operations
under the Chief Deputy of Juvenile Justice, each headed by a chief
who is appointed by the Governor and subject to Senate confirmation.

   This bill would require the Division of Juvenile Justice to
explore options to provide specialized programming outside of
division facilities for high risk or high need juvenile offenders,
taking into account availability and specified criterion. On or
before January 1, 2008, the bill would require the division to
transfer all female offenders out of division facilities.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:


  SECTION 1.  Section 1756.5 is added to the Welfare and Institutions
Code, to read:
   1756.5.  (a) The Division of Juvenile Justice shall explore
options to provide specialized programming outside of division
facilities for high risk or high need offenders, if programming is
available. Specialized programs for these offenders shall take into
account commitment offenses, delinquency history, age, gender,
medical and mental health condition, risk levels, and any other
commitment criteria.
   (b) The Division of Juvenile Justice may also consider changes
with respect to eligibility, age, jurisdiction, or length of
confinement in order to ensure quality programming within division
facilities.
   (c) Given the small number of female offenders and their
specialized needs, the Division of Juvenile Justice shall explore
options to provide programming for female offenders outside of
division facilities. On or before January 1, 2008, the division shall
transfer all female offenders out of division facilities.