Spotlights
ACPD Spotlight Quarterly News Letter
WELCOME TO THE LATEST EDITION OF ACPD SPOTLIGHT! THIS NEWSLETTER BRINGS YOU THE TOP HIGHLIGHTS AND UPDATES FROM OUR SOCIAL MEDIA OVER THE PAST THREE MONTHS. STAY CONNECTED AND FOLLOW US FOR REAL-TIME UPDATES.
ACPD Opens Decompression Room for Staff
In a heartfelt and progressive move, the Alameda County Probation Department (ACPD) has opened a Decompression Room at Juvenile Hall, marking a significant step towards prioritizing the well-being of its staff. This dedicated space is designed to offer much-needed relief and support following high-stress incidents, demonstrating ACPD's unwavering commitment to the health and wellness of its employees.
A Journey Through Music: The Dope Era Music Program Inspires Youth
Have you ever heard a story that touched your heart so deeply you could not wait to share it with everyone you know? That is exactly the feeling you'll get from the inspiring journey of the Dope Era Music Program and its incredible leader, Mistah FAB. This innovative initiative, launched by ACPD under the leadership of Chief Brian Ford, is about music, mentorship, and the transformative power of following your passion.
Opening New Doors: The Last Mile Program at Alameda County Juvenile Hall - Firm Roots Academy
Imagine a young person at a crossroads, facing an uncertain future. Now, imagine them stepping into a room filled with possibilities, where they can learn to code, dream big, and build a new life. This is the transformative power of The Last Mile program, now launched at Alameda County Juvenile Hall, making our facility the first county juvenile detention center to host this pioneering initiative.
Setting Sail Towards a Brighter Future: The Blue Water Foundation’s Program at Camp Sweeney
Picture a group of eager young faces boarding a sailboat, ready to embark on a journey across the San Francisco Bay. For many of these youth, it is their first time on the water, their first time feeling the wind test their balance as they learn to navigate the waves. This is the magic of the Blue Water Foundation’s sailing program at Camp Sweeney.
Elevate Academy: Shaping the Future of Youth Services in Alameda County
In a place where passion converges with knowledge, and community leaders come together to shape the future, Elevate Academy stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. Sponsored by the Alameda County Probation Department, this eight-week program is designed not merely as a training initiative but as a journey of empowerment for those dedicated to supporting our at-risk youth.
ACPD Highlights Partnership with Oakland's OK Program
Violence and crime disproportionately affect Black boys in Alameda County, a sobering reality mirrored in national trends. Alameda County Probation is committed to addressing this issue. Through its partnership with the OK Program, the agency aims to empower Black youth with the tools, resources, and opportunities necessary to break the cycle of inequality. Together, they proactively tackle the underlying factors contributing to the overrepresentation of Black youth in the justice system.
Positive Future Fair: Embracing Youth Potential
On March 27, 2024, the Alameda County Probation Department (ACPD) Proudly welcomed approximately 245 enthusiastic youth to the "Positive Futures Fair: Embracing Youth Potential," held in partnership with over 50 Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) at Hayward High School. This event aimed to introduce youth and families to the array of free services available in their communities, offering a vibrant program of fun, music, games, food, and giveaways. Attendees had the opportunity to receive swag bags with items such as 25 bikes, clothing, makeup, and assorted goodies.
Alameda County Civil Grand Jury Nominations For The 2024-2025 Term
Each year judicial officers of the Superior Court are responsible for presenting the names of civic-minded county residents to serve on the Alameda County Civil Grand Jury. The jury’s primary responsibility is to examine and report on the operations of local government agencies and to investigate public complaints, acting as the public’s watchdog.
The court seeks your assistance in securing a pool of at least 30 nominees – six from each Alameda County Supervisorial District. Ultimately, 19 jurors will be selected randomly from this pool to be impaneled as the Alameda County Civil Grand Jury for 2024-2025.
ACPD’s New Acting Chief
Brian Ford is the Acting Chief Probation Officer of Alameda County. Chief Ford (A) has worked in Government for twenty-two years. In his previous capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the entirety of Alameda County Probation Department’s Youth Operations Divisions as the Assistant Chief Probation Officer. He served as Deputy Chief prior to becoming Assistant Chief and served as a consultant/trainer in his entry into Alameda County. Prior to moving to Alameda County, Chief Ford was a Director for the Los Angeles County Probation Department, and he served as a consultant with the Carey Group. He has been an active member of the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) for 13 years.
Chief Ford’s primary departmental priorities are to fill critical department-wide vacancies, succession planning and staff professional development and competencies to ensure the best delivery of services to clients for the ultimate objective of community safety. He believes in the value of enhancing communication and transparency through the goal of fostering stronger relationships, trust, and credibility internally, with our justice partners, labor unions, and the community.
Youth and Family Resources
ACPD contracts with community-based organizations to provide services to youth and families in our community. Please review the guides below to find resources in your area.
The NORTH COUNTY REFERRAL GUIDE includes services in the cities of Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, Alameda, Emeryville, and Piedmont.
The CENTRAL COUNTY REFERRAL GUIDE includes services in the cities of San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Castro Valley, and East Oakland.
The SOUTH COUNTY REFERRAL GUIDE includes services in the cities of Hayward, Fremont, Union City, Newark, Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore.
Mobile Optometry
On August 1, 2023, the Juvenile Justice Center hosted its first Vision Mobile Clinic (Eyes 2 You) in partnership with Bay Area Community Health (BACH). Through the Vision Mobile Clinic, youth can receive comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions, and glasses.
During the first clinic, ten youth received comprehensive eye exams. Referrals came in from Care Coordination, JJC Medical, Alameda County Probation Department (ACPD), and the Alameda County Library.
The JJC has long needed optometry services and therefore the introduction of this service has brought about much excitement and gratitude. Monthly clinics are booked for September, October, November, and December, with 2024 dates to be decided soon!
Raising Leaders Program
Ms. Davida’s Raising Leaders program was founded to build partnerships to give youth elite opportunities & hope for a better tomorrow. A Tree Planting ceremony honored students who have lost their lives throughout her career & former Supervisor Richard Valle.
Women’s Hall of Fame
Alameda County begins Women's History Month by announcing its 2023 Women's Hall of Fame inductees. From a nomination pool of over 80 outstanding women, thirteen will be inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame, and their stories will be shared and memorialized in County archives.
Supervisor Richard Valle
ACPD mourns the passing of Board of Supervisor Richard Valley, District 2.
Weather
The Alameda County Probation Department wants to wish everyone safety and wellness amidst the recent extreme weather patterns. Please stay informed and updated with the weather news in your locales.
Roll Into Spring
Roll Into Spring with the Center of Reentry Excellence (CORE). Bring your family and friends out for healthy outdoor activity and family recreation. Check in at the CORE tent and enter to win the raffle items like bikes, scooters, skates, and skateboards. Connect with local resources, win fun prizes, and enjoy time together with your family and community. These events are supported through AB109 Realignment funds.
Civil Grand Jury Nominations for the 2022/2023 Term
Each year judicial officers of the Superior Court are responsible for presenting the names of civic-minded county residents to serve on the Alameda County Civil Grand Jury. The jury’s primary responsibility is to examine and report on the operations of local government agencies and to investigate citizen complaints, acting as the public’s watchdog.
The court seeks to secure a pool of at least 30 nominees – six from each Alameda County Supervisorial District (nominations due 4/15/2022). Ultimately, 19 jurors will be selected randomly from this pool to be impaneled as the Alameda County Civil Grand Jury for 2022-2023.
Information about qualifications and the application process can be found online at http://grandjury.acgov.org/join-us.page? Prospective jurors should fill out the application online. Participation on the Civil Grand Jury is a significant commitment: at least two meetings per week in Oakland for one year (currently online by videoconference consistent with public health guidance in response to the ongoing pandemic).
Nominations are accepted throughout the year, however, the focus at present is to build a Grand Jury for this fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022. That means staff must receive nominations no later than April 15, 2022. For questions about Grand Jury service, please call Cassie Barner at (510) 208-9855 or email her at cassie.brner@acgov.org
Telephone Fees Reimbursement and Form
In January 2022, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors authorized ACPD to partially refund telephone fees to the parents and guardians of youth who were housed in ACPD juvenile facilities (Juvenile Justice Center and Camp Wilmont Sweeney) during the COVID-19 pandemic for the period beginning March 17, 2020, through September 30, 2021. The refunds will be dispersed upon submission of the Telephone Fee Claim Form based on the availability of funds in the Juvenile Institutions Welfare trust fund (James King Fund).
To submit a refund claim, please complete the attached Telephone Fee Claim Form listing any telephone costs you incurred for telephone communication between you and youth housed in the Juvenile Hall or Camp Wilmont Sweeney between March 17, 2020, and September 30, 2021.Parents can sign the form on the youth’s behalf if access to the youth is currently a barrier. To obtain information in Spanish please click here, and to obtain the reimbursement claim form in Spanish please click here.
Additionally, please attach proof of payment or justification as indicated on the Telephone Fee Claim Form. The Telephone Fee Claim Form and proof of payment or justification must be sent to ACPD by a deadline of September 30, 2022. Forms should be sent to:
Alameda County Probation Department
P.O. Box 2059
1111 Jackson Street, Suite 805
Oakland, CA 94604-2067
ATTN: Telephone Fees Reimbursement
If there is a remaining balance in the James King Trust fund after all valid submitted claims are paid, the remaining funds will be allocated to the claimants in an amount not to exceed total claimed costs. Claims will be processed as they are received and will take approximately 3 weeks for the County to render payment.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please call 510-268-7124 or send an email probationfiscalgroup7691@acgovt.onmicrosoft.com.
Client Programs and Services Survey
Please take this short survey asking about your experiences with contracted programs and services. Your feedback is valued and will be used to improve programs and services for all our clients.
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A devoted Employee named Dwayne Adams
Creator of the All for One training program that teaches both boys and girls mentoring classes for youth teaching basic social skills they can use with their brainpower has motivated many youth. With the help of other mentors for those who are into basketball, Mr. Adams helps supply the youth a place to start their passion for basketball. He believes by working together we can help our community understand the ability they have to make a change.
Adopt a POD Vaccine Initiative-Probation at Allen Temple
For those who are receiving the vaccination for the first time, the State is promoting an incentive card program to encourage community-wide vaccinations. Please help us spread the word. HCSA, SSA and Probation staff will be at Allen Temple in Oakland for the month of June in support of the County’s vaccination program. Please refer the attached flyers to obtain date time and location information.
Probation promotes the Raising Leaders Program which provides At Promise Youth Internships
This important collaboration with Hayward Adult School is providing youth the opportunity to receive job training and a paid stipend at multiple County agencies, including the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, Fire Department, and Probation. The program will continue through 2023 under current funding.
Alameda County Probation Department Wall of Success
The Wall of Success initiative was suggested by staff via the virtual suggestion box on the department’s intranet. At its core, the initiative supports the department in achieving its goal of continuously developing innovative, performance-based operations driven by the belief that people can change. The displays will be located at the headquarters of each of the department’s division headquarters. A ribbon cutting ceremony occurred in Juvenile Hall on April 7, 2021, in conjunction with the National Day of Hope.
Alameda County Probation Department Awarded $3 Million for Innovative Reentry Practices through Bureau of Justice Assistance Fiscal Year 2020 Grant Programs
The Alameda County Probation Department (ACPD) received three awards totaling $2,994,325 through the Office of Justice Programs' Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 grant programs to implement innovative reentry practices for clients returning to Alameda County from jail or prison.
Two grants provide funding to expand and evaluate ACPD's Pathways Home initiative, which involves a partnership with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to strengthen the reentry process for individuals returning home to Alameda County from state prison on post-release community supervision. The Pathways Home initiative involves four primary components: (1) case-planning video conferences conducted with clients before they are released from prison; (2) workbooks with valuable reentry information delivered to clients prior ro their release; (3) virtual reality videos that allow clients to practice responses to challenging situations in safe, virtual environments; and (4) a mobile application called Vergil that helps clients track meeting with probation officers, court dates, and steps involbed in achieving their case plan goals.
Alameda County Reimagining Juvenile Justice Forum
Board of Supervisor, Richard Valle, and Chief Probation Officer, Wendy Still, hosted the Forum on Reimagining Juvenile Justice on Thursday, October 22, 2020 and Friday, October 23, 2020
With the current environmental, health, social, and economic crisis, governments at all levels have been faced with increased social safety-net need and diminishing revenues. These drivers accelerated the State of California’s conversations and ultimate decision to close the Division of Juvenile Justice through Senate Bill 823. It is with these major factors that the Board of Supervisors and the Probation Department held a two-day virtual forum on Reimagining Juvenile Justice in Alameda County.
Launch of Tyler Supervision Department Wide
On Monday, October 12, 2020, the Alameda County Probation Department expanded its state-of-the-art, cloud-based automated case management system, Tyler Supervision, throughout the entire department. This system reflects the department’s “first-of-its kind” transition from a legacy system to a 21st century solution. The ultimate goal of this project was to build a system that supports data-informed practice, transparency, and accountability that allows the Alameda County Probation Department to monitor operations associated with its programs and practices, and its impact on client outcomes.
Honoring the Belief that People Can Change
Welcome to the Alameda County Probation Department’s Fiscal Year 2019-20 report, Honoring The Belief That People Can Change. This report highlights the collective efforts of the many partners that have come together to support adults and youth on probation in Alameda County. As a collaborative, we recognize that together we can significantly improve the lives of our clients, and that regardless of prior circumstances, everyone deserves a second change.
Building a Great Tomorrow, Today
The Alameda County Probation Department’s 2 ½ year report, Building A Great Tomorrow, Today, reflects the Department’s dedication to this evolution and to making this community the safest in the nation. Every day, Department staff, stakeholders, and volunteers strive to make a lasting difference in the lives of our clients and members of the community. The Department’s commitment to utilizing research, data, and evidence-based practices, developing collaborative partnerships, and listening to the experiences and perspectives of our clients, their families, and our stakeholders, enables us to accomplish this goal.
Ordinance to Eliminate Fines, Fees for Defendants
An ordinance amending section 2.42.190 of the administrative code to eliminate probation fees; repealing resolution 2011-142 regarding public defender/conflict counsel fees for representation of indigent adults; and eliminating sheriff's work alternative program administrative and attendance fees.
