Judge Orders Depopulation of Los Padrinos — Local 685 Demands Real Solutions to Protect Jobs, Safety, and Youth

On Friday, April 18, Superior Court Judge Espinoza ordered the Los Angeles County Probation Department to file a plan to safely reduce the population at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall (LP). The goal is to bring the facility into compliance with the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC). The Department must submit its proposed plan by May 2.

The judge’s ruling allows LP to continue operating—but only with a smaller number of youth until conditions improve. For Local 685, this is more than just another move—it’s an opportunity to finally fix problems that have been ignored for too long.

When youth were moved from Central Juvenile Hall (CJH) to Barry J, and then back to LP, the real issues weren’t fixed—they were just moved. We, again, are demanding real change, not another temporary solution.

“We’ve been warning for years that the conditions in our juvenile facilities are unsafe for both youth and staff,” said Stacy Ford, President of AFSCME Local 685. “The Board of Supervisors has ignored our concerns. It shouldn’t take a court order to get action. This is the County’s chance to do the right thing—to reduce the population the right way, including reopening other facilities, and to finally fix what’s broken.”

You Have Questions. Here Are the Answers.

We know members have urgent questions. Below are answers to the most common concerns:

1. What is the Union doing to protect our jobs and assignments?

Local 685 is fighting to protect your job. We are demanding that the County bargain with us before making any changes that affect staffing. We’re making sure your assignments, duties, and classifications are not changed without Union involvement. Your job, your safety, and your future are our top priorities.

2. Is the Union talking to the Department, the Board of Supervisors, or lawyers on our behalf?

Yes. Your Union leaders are constant contact with the Department and in contact with the Board of Supervisors. We’re also working with legal experts to make sure the County follows the law and respects your rights. You are being represented, every step of the way.

3. What is being done to protect our rights, benefits, and working conditions?

We are demanding a fair process that protects your seniority, benefits, and working conditions. We are also pushing the County to look at moving youth to other LA County facilities, including reopening facilities that were shut down. This would reduce the number of youth at LP and help meet BSCC standards without putting more pressure on staff.

4. How are we being represented in big decisions about safety, staffing, and facilities?

You are being represented by your elected union leaders. We are speaking directly to the Department and County officials, and we are pushing hard for long-term solutions—not short-term fixes. We are demanding better staffing, proper training, and safer working conditions across the entire system.

We are also fighting hard in Sacramento, where several bills that would take away probation jobs are being heard in committee tomorrow. Your Union is testifying, meeting with lawmakers, and working with allies to stop legislation that threatens our profession and your livelihood. Our advocacy is happening on every front—locally and statewide.

Local 685 is standing strong for the membership. We will keep you updated as soon as we learn more from the County’s plan. In the meantime, know this:

You are not alone in this fight. You are being heard, represented, and defended—every day.