Title
Approve and authorize the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign a reciprocal Agreement between the Counties of Monterey and San Benito for the placement of youth at the other party’s Juvenile Hall effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Approve and authorize the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign a reciprocal Agreement between the Counties of Monterey and San Benito for the placement of youth at the other party’s Juvenile Hall effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029.
SUMMARY:
Welfare and Institutions Code Section 872 authorizes the Juvenile Court Judge, under recommendation of the Chief Probation Officer, to order minors in their jurisdiction to be housed in another county in the respective detention facility, upon mutual agreement. San Benito and Monterey Counties have agreed to cooperatively detain juvenile wards, when necessary. The proposed Agreement identifies the counties’ mutual responsibilities.
DISCUSSION:
The Counties of San Benito and Monterey have continuously entered into similar written agreements for the reciprocal placement of a limited number of juvenile wards in the respective county’s Juvenile Hall. This option was established for cases where minors could not be housed in the detention facility of the county of jurisdiction for reasons of protected custody. This collaboration also allows for proactive planning of unforeseen circumstances which might necessitate such an arrangement. The proximity of San Benito County to Monterey County also facilitates easy accessibility for staff and families, and a more cost-effective solution in the event of temporary out-of-county custody.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
County Counsels for both Monterey and San Benito Counties have reviewed this Agreement as to legal form. The Auditor-Controller’s Office has reviewed the document for fiscal provisions.
FINANCING:
There will be no impact to the General Fund from approval of this action. Monterey and San Benito Counties have each agreed to pay the other party the per diem rate of $160 for each juvenile housed at their Juvenile Hall, in the event such placement is needed. This rate applies to any day or portion of a day during which the juvenile is detained at the facility. The funds for this Agreement are included in Probation’s FY2026-27 Adopted Budget (PRO001, Unit 8163) and will be budgeted in subsequent fiscal years, through the term of the Agreement.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This recommendation supports the key objective of Safe and Resilient Communities through a close collaboration with San Benito County to attain safe and appropriate facilities to house juveniles in case of need.
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
_X__Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared by: Marcela Barbosa, Management Analyst II, Ext. 1100
Approved by: Jose Ramirez, Chief Probation Officer, Ext. 3913
Attachments:
Reciprocal Housing Agreement between Monterey County and San Benito County