Report 2021-113 Recommendation 27 Responses

Report 2021-113: Batterer Intervention Programs: State Guidance and Oversight Are Needed to Effectively Reduce Domestic Violence (Release Date: October 2022)

Recommendation #27 To: Los Angeles County Probation Department

To ensure program compliance with state law, Los Angeles Probation should, by April 2023, formalize comprehensive program standards for program providers that present clear guidance on the department's expectations and the documentation it will review to verify compliance with state law. The probation department should distribute these standards to program providers during their initial application and approval process and again annually during the renewal process.

1-Year Agency Response

In April 2023, the Los Angeles County Probation Department implemented formal program standards for the providers. The standards contain clear guidance on the department's expectations and documentation it will review to verify compliance with state law. Additionally, the probation department re-distributed these standards to the program providers via email and US mail, as a part of the application and approval process.

After recent review of our Programs Standards, we recognized some inconsistencies in the language therefore, we will need to amend or current Program Standards.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: Partially Implemented

Los Angeles Probation has made significant progress toward implementing our recommendation. During our review of its policies, procedures, and program standards, we found inconsistencies regarding whether it allows offenders to have unexcused absences from the program. However, state law does not allow for unexcused absences. In speaking with Los Angeles Probation about our specific concerns, it recognized the need to revise portions of its policies and standards to ensure that probation officers and programs comply with state law. We look forward to reviewing Los Angeles Probation's progress toward implementing this recommendation during its next response.

All Recommendations in 2021-113

Agency responses received are posted verbatim.