Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger issued the following statement today in response to Attorney General Rob Bonta’s request to place the Los Angeles County Probation Department under state receivership:
“I am not surprised by Attorney General Bonta’s request to place the Los Angeles County Probation Department under state receivership. In truth, this moment has been a long time coming. For years, I have voiced my concerns about the deepening dysfunction within the department—some of it fueled by the Board of Supervisors’ micromanagement. Today’s action is a direct repudiation of our Board’s ability to effectively oversee this department.
While this request carries weight and must not be taken lightly, my focus remains unchanged: protecting and supporting the youth in our care. They deserve safe facilities, meaningful rehabilitative programs, and a system that offers them a path to growth and accountability.
If a state receivership is what it takes to finally deliver those reforms and bring long overdue stability, then I welcome this intervention. The well-being of these young people must always come first.”