Report 2021-113 Recommendation 28 Responses

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

Recommendation #28 To: Los Angeles County Probation Department

To ensure that program providers comply with the probation department's standards and state law, Los Angeles Probation should develop and follow formalized policies and procedures for approving, renewing, and conducting comprehensive ongoing monitoring of program providers by April 2023. These policies should specify the frequency of monitoring, the documentation the department will require of program providers to demonstrate compliance, and the specific actions the department will take when a provider is noncompliant.

1-Year Agency Response

In April 2023, the Los Angeles County Probation Department implemented the formal policy and procedures for approving, renewing, and conducting ongoing monitoring of program providers. (See attachment, pages 35-37, Application by Program). The policy specifies the frequency of monitoring, documentation the department will require the program providers to demonstrate compliance, (See attachment, pages 14-16, Record Keeping) and the specific actions the department will take when a provider is noncompliant. (See attachment, page 41, Plan of Correction)

After recent review of our Program 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.