FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Probation Oversight Commission Chair, Esche Jackson's Statement on Death of a Teen at Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall
LOS ANGELES, CA- We have been confronted by our worst fear. Yesterday, the Probation Oversight Commission (POC) learned about the devastating loss of a young person in custody at Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall. We are deeply, deeply saddened and disappointed by this young person’s lost chance of life and redemption. When a young person contacts the system, it should be a positive turning point in their lives, not a death sentence. For this, we mourn and send our deepest condolences to his loved ones and those impacted by his death.
I recognize this loss as a massive failure on the part of the official bodies of stakeholders charged with protecting the lives of those in Probation’s care. The loss is a reminder that this institution has fallen to a state of disrepair and redefined what it means to hit rock bottom.
This devastation is a piece of this unresolved crisis that continues to pose harm to our youth. The danger is present even as you read this statement.
The POC will take any and every action within our power to find immediate solutions to eliminate this harm and address current and future dangers. I urge the powers that be do the same. Though nothing could replace the life we lost, our Commission will provide guidance on how to address eminent risks and danger in the facilities, strive to prevent this from reoccurring, and hold the Probation Department accountable.
James Baldwin said “People can cry much easier than they can change.” My hope is that our grief serves as the impetus for radical change— change in how young people are perceived and served, change in their environments, change in access to supportive and life-saving resources, change in leadership, change in outcomes. Our excuses have expired and lives are on the line.
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Media Contact:
Wendelyn Julien, Executive Director
County of Los Angeles, Probation Oversight Commission
Email: info@poc.lacounty.gov
Phone: (213) 308-8373
Website: poc.lacounty.gov/
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