January 11, 2012
CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
JUVENILE PROBATION COMMISSION
JUVENILE PROBATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
Regular Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
5:30 p.m.
City Hall, Hearing Room 408
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
Commissioners
Julian Chang, President
Dirk Beijen, Vice President
Katharine Albright
Joseph Arellano
Susan Jones
Sarah Ching Ting Wan
Rebecca Woodson
Meeting Minutes
1. Roll Call
• The Commission President called the meeting to order at 5:39 p.m. Commissioners Arellano, Beijen, Chang, Jones, and Wan were present. Commissioner Albright arrived at 5:41 p.m. Commissioner Woodson was excused.
2. Public comments.
• No public comments.
3. Review and Approval of the Full Commission Meeting Minutes of November 9, 2011 (ACTION ITEM)
• Motion to approve the November 9, 2011Full Commission Meeting Minutes by COMM Albright, second by COMM Wan, and approved by the rest of the Commission.
• No public comments.
4. Presentation on Queen’s Bench Program by Nancy Walker (DISCUSSION ONLY)
• April Summer and Nancy Walker presented on the Juvenile Hall Project and the goal of the organization, primarily made up of attorneys, is to provide positive female role models to the girls at Juvenile Hall by providing positive self expression through arts and crafts, such as “Day of the Dead,” and exposure to other cultures by sharing traditions and foods from around the world. The organization wants the girls to have new experiences and to try and make them feel special by their efforts. The organization has good relations with the JPD counselors and their efforts have helped with discipline, as it provides incentives for the girls. They would like to assist more and would need resources.
• The organization spends the first and third Wednesday at Juvenile Hall with the girls to help broaden their views on education, while making it entertaining. They would like to provide regular music programs; would like to see the girls outside of the institution; and assist in some way. They would like to establish connections with the department and CBO’s, to get information on a mentorship program, and to assist more.
COMM Chang thanked them for presenting and offered to be the point of contact and let them know that JPD has assisted many youths in getting their GED. Chief Siffermann acknowledged their organization and noted that they have had a tremendous impact on the girls and the staff understands and appreciates their efforts. Chief Siffermann recognized their desire to do more and offered to take the organization on a tour of the facility. The Chief also noted two challenges: the time factor (so many hours in a day/week for groups to come in) and confidentiality (names and circumstances of youths).
COMM Beijen asked if the group could act as mentors for girls who do not have visitors. Chief Siffermann said they could obtain an open standing visitor’s pass. Director Powell can further address the visiting policy.
• No public comments.
5. Update on FY12-13 Budget Meeting with Mayor Lee by Commission President Chang (DISCUSSION ONLY)
• COMM Chang stated that the Mayor introduced a new two-year “rolling” budget cycle for FY2012-2013 and FY2013-2014 for all departments. During the meeting, the Mayor said that the city is in a better financial position than when the he took office last year. Unemployment is down by 7.8%; the deficit is not as large as expected and is getting smaller. The Mayor is asking departments for reductions and is not relying on federal and state funding.
• For the two year budget cycle, the Mayor is asking all departments for a 5% budget reduction; 2.5% contingency; and a 1% FTE per fiscal year. It will be an overall 10% budget reduction; 5% contingency; and a 2% FTE reduction over two years. Catherine McGuire, JPD’s Finance Director, added that she reported this two-year budget cycle to the Finance Committee on February 10th. It will be difficult to meet these cuts, however, the department will be having ongoing discussions with the Mayor’s office.
• No public comments.
6. Report to the Commission (DISCUSSION ONLY)
a. Chief’s Report:
• Department Updates
• Chief Siffermann said that the census at JPD for November and December was below 70 youths. The census today was at 72; it is 25 less than in 2010. The reduction is most likely because potential probation violations are being addressed, cases are being processed in a timely manner, length of stay is reducing, and out-of-home placements are more stable. One unit has been closed at JJC, five of eight pods are open, which has reduced overtime. The recidivism rate has been around 18%.
• Per the state’s realignment plan, the closing of DJJ will impact Juvenile Probation. There are six youths in DJJ at the present time. A $125,000/per child will be assessed, but not billed. SF county will not be as impacted by this assessment as other counties because of the number of youths placed in DJJ. Discussions with Chief Probation Officers and the Governor will be ongoing regarding the DJJ plan.
• No public comments.
b. Committee Reports
• COMM Arellano said the Finance Committee met yesterday at JPD and echoed Mayor Lee’s upcoming two-year “rolling” budget cycle. In FY11-12, JPD cut $108,000 in overtime. JPD is looking at cuts for the upcoming budget cycle, which will not be easy for the department. The Commission should do what they can to stave off any budget reductions and support JPD’s budget. The Mayor will present the budget to the BOS early, on May 1st, and the Commission letter to support JPD’s budget should be prepared and placed on the February 8th Full Commission meeting agenda for discussion and action item.
COMM Chang asked what revenue options were available and Ms. McGuire said that they are working with the Controller’s office to assist with the Title 4E claiming process to ensure that JPD is claiming as much as they can and it is possible that they may get more grants. JPD is exploring these options.
• No public comments.
7. Future Agenda Items (ACTION ITEM)
Announcements
• Full Commission President and Vice-President Elections will be held at the next Full Commission meeting on February 8, 2012.
• Full Commission Meetings: 2012 Off-Site Locations. Commissioners were asked to come with names and contact information for upcoming locations.
• No public comments.
8. Adjournment (ACTION ITEM)
• The meeting adjourned at 6:21 p.m.
