FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
L.A. County Board of Supervisors Votes to Implement POC Recommendations on Education Services for Incarcerated Youth
Los Angeles, CA — Yesterday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to implement the Probation Oversight Commission’s (POC) recommendations to report back on how the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) or another county department or entity could assume responsibility as the lead agency for all higher education services for youth in County probation detention facilities. The Board’s action focuses on post-secondary planning and programming for young people who have already earned a high school diploma.
"Education is critical to the development of every young person, including those in our juvenile halls. I want to thank the Probation Oversight Commission (POC) for being a dedicated partner in advocating for our youth. This motion creates a pathway—guided by restorative justice recommendations from the POC and a coalition of justice advocates—to help ensure access to quality post-secondary education in our halls. Whether through the County Office of Education or a community partner, we share a responsibility to identify the best entity to lead this work and improve outcomes for every young person in our justice system," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, who co-authored this motion with Supervisor Hahn.
“I recently visited Barry J. Nidorf and spoke to some high school grads who are enrolled in college classes but only get to participate once or twice a week. They want to be able to go to college classes every day. We need to do better by these young people and I think this is an option worth exploring. I appreciate the dedication of our Probation Oversight Commissioners who take their important role in this work seriously and are helping the County fulfill our duty to the young people in our care,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who authored today’s motion to implement the POC’s recommendations.
The Board also directed County departments to analyze how to align funding, staffing, and governance structures to improve the quality of higher education services for youth detained in Probation’s facilities.
“Education is not an add-on, it’s the backbone of a rehabilitative environment,” said Eduardo Mundo, POC Chair. “Today’s vote ensures that education experts are in the lead and that incarcerated young people have consistent access to high-quality coursework, skills training, and pathways to college and careers.”
Why this change matters
Growing post-secondary need: Since the closure of the state’s Division of Juvenile Justice in 2021, more older youth—many already holding high school diplomas—are served locally. The Board motion is the first step in analyzing how LACOE or another entity can take responsibility for post-secondary planning and access, work previously housed within Probation despite falling outside its core mission.
Improved public-safety outcomes: Research shows individuals who enroll in post-secondary programs are significantly less likely to be reincarcerated and more likely to be employed after release, underscoring the long-term value of expanded education access.
Stronger use of state and local resources: Community colleges across L.A. County are receiving more than $11.2 million through the state’s Rising Scholars Network between 2025 and 2028. With the Board’s action, the POC recommendation that LACOE or another entity be formally empowered to coordinate these partnerships and build a coherent, outcomes-driven system across facilities becomes possible.
“LACOE has the educators, systems, and partnerships to deliver year-round, differentiated instruction, from college enrollment to career training,” said Brooke Harris, POC Commissioner and member of the education committee. “This transition aligns responsibility with expertise and ensures results can be measured and made public.”
What implementation will examine:
-
LACOE or another department or entity (for example a non-profit) serving as the lead agency for all K–12 and post-secondary education for youth in probation detention facilities.
-
County positions and funding to increase the staffing capacity for case management, post-secondary planning, and data reporting.
-
State funds (JJCPA/JJRBG) used to expand community college partnerships, course offerings, tutoring, classroom space, and transition supports, along with data-sharing agreements to ensure transparency.
-
Expanded dual-enrollment opportunities allowing high school students and graduates to take college courses together when appropriate, with standardized scheduling across community college partners.
Background
The POC’s Education Ad Hoc Committee was formed in 2024 after community colleges reported barriers to offering Rising Scholars courses inside probation facilities. The committee consulted with the Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR), LACOE, community colleges, and peer counties where Offices of Education already lead instruction inside juvenile facilities.
Recent state legislation—including SB 178 (strengthening Rising Scholars) and AB 2181 (expanding options for juvenile court school students)—further underscores the central role County Offices of Education must play in connecting students to post-secondary pathways.
Next steps
County departments will now work with LACOE and the Probation Department to develop a detailed implementation plan with timelines, staffing transitions, metrics, and public reporting. The POC will monitor the rollout to ensure that all incarcerated youth receive rigorous, college- and career-aligned education that supports rehabilitation and successful reentry.
About the L.A. County Probation Oversight Commission
The Los Angeles County Probation Oversight Commission is an independent body tasked with promoting transparency, accountability, and improved practices within the probation system. Through oversight, policy recommendations, and community engagement, the POC strives to enhance public safety and rehabilitative outcomes.
###
Media Contact:
Wendelyn Julien, Executive Director
County of Los Angeles, Probation Oversight Commission
Email: wjulien@poc.lacounty.gov
Phone: (213) 308-8373
Website: poc.lacounty.gov
|
