In town hall meetings at both facilities on Thursday, January 3rd and Friday, January 4th, Chief Deputy Bernard Warner told gathered employees and labor organization representatives that due to a dwindling population and budgetary constraints, it was no longer feasible to continue operating the facilities. Another factor in the decision to close both facilities was recent legislation which mandates increased shifting of responsibility for housing and treating juvenile offenders to the counties.

“We intend to make every effort to avoid layoffs” Mr. Warner told the audiences. In Paso Robles, where there are approximately 350 employees, the department’s last check for vacancies at other institutions which may be appropriate for employees showed that there may be 800 vacancies in the region which the department hopes will help. At De Witt, where there are approximately 245 employees, staff was told that there were currently over 200 vacancies in CDCR and soon to be another 95 funded positions due to recent lawsuits. The department feels this will give staff a range of options.

The department has implemented a Transition Team whose members will help with the process. Two helpful flyers were handed out at the meetings, one has Frequently Asked Questions and the other outlines ten basic steps in the placement process.

Seniority scores will be sent to employees within the next 90 days and it is anticipated that State Restriction of Appointment (SROA) letters will be sent out within 30-60 days. Employees were advised this did not mean they were laid off as of yet, however they were encouraged to utilize the letters in any search for other positions within the state. Employees were also encouraged to access information via the Division of Juvenile Justice’s Website, which will be updated weekly.

As of today’s date no decision has been made regarding future use for either facility. Ideas for retrofitting for either adult use or state operation for county inmates have not been solidified. Both are in the early stages of possible development.

ACSS Representatives, Tom Considine and Kay DeGeest-Kelly attended the town hall meetings and will be monitoring developments on behalf of the ACSS members at the facilities.

Read the FAQ from CDCR

January 8, 2008
by Tom Considine and Kay DeGeest-Kelly, ACSS Labor Relation Representatives