General Corrections Review of the California Youth Authority

This review was completed at the request of the California Attorney General (AG) and
the Youth Authority (YA). Issues to be examined were cited in federal and state court lawsuits filed by the Prison Law Office (PLO). My charge was to answer a set of specific questions, and to make recommendations for improvements as needed. The areas covered in this report are the following: ward classification, access to lawyers and ward’s rights; use of force and ward safety; restricted programs, including special management programs and temporary detention; and access to religious services.

This review was completed at the request of the California Attorney General (AG) and
the Youth Authority (YA). Issues to be examined were cited in federal and state court lawsuits filed by the Prison Law Office (PLO). My charge was to answer a set of specific questions, and to make recommendations for improvements as needed. The areas covered in this report are the following: ward classification, access to lawyers and ward’s rights; use of force and ward safety; restricted programs, including special management programs and temporary detention; and access to religious services.