Closure Decision For Youth Rehabilitation Facility Expected Tuesday

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — After being delayed a week, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will decide whether to close the Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility (OAYRF), also known as the "Ranch," in the unincorporated area of Byron.

The board was originally set to consider the matter last Tuesday but was forced to delay to a week due to the length of deliberations concerning other matters.

Supervisors are considering closing the facility due to a dwindling population and $5.4 million in necessary repairs to keep it open. Operating expenses for the facility total approximately $6,546,500 for fiscal year 2022-23.

The $5.4 million estimate on deferred maintenance is based on a facility condition assessment report completed in 2021. The average annual maintenance is $595,579.

OAYRF is a discretionary, minimum-security residential commitment program for adolescent males, at 4491 Bixler Rd. in Byron. OAYRF is intended to serve low to moderate risk youth, with a rated bed capacity of 100.

The number of residents went from 62 in April 2018 to 10 by the same date this year. It was up to 11 on Sept. 1.

The staff report says "emerging research related to adolescent brain development and increased investments in community programming and services has impacted trends in both charging and sentencing 'delinquent' youth. This has resulted in a reduced reliance on juvenile incarceration and a steady decline in the population at OAYRF."

There are currently 36 probation staff members assigned to OAYRF. The report says those positions could be reassigned throughout the department, and recent laws have increased the need for officers to support other programs and services for realigned youth. The Briones Youth Academy, Community Path allows youth to participate in the same comprehensive evidence-based programs and services they would have received at Orin Allen, while remaining at home.

The probation department, in partnership with community-based providers, would see youth seven days a week and transport them to regional locations three nights a week for cognitive behavioral group programming.

They would also provide access to the same recreational program options, such as sailing and hiking trips, on the weekends. Other advantages of this approach would include intensive, home-based family therapy, and the ability to serve girls, which wasn't possible at Orin Allen.

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the board chambers of the county administration building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez.

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