Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe
San Diego County | District 4
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PASSES SWEEPING JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORM AND OVERSIGHT INITIATIVE
SAN DIEGO, CA (August 26, 2025) — Today, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved Vice Chair Montgomery Steppe’s comprehensive juvenile justice reform proposal to strengthen accountability, enhance youth protections, and advance trauma-informed practices in County juvenile detention facilities. The approved item includes renewal of the County’s contract with the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators (CJJA) and the creation of a new Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Juvenile Justice to increase transparency and oversight.
The action comes amid heightened concerns directly from community members about patterns of excessive force and the use of chemical agents, including Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray. It also follows a civil rights investigation launched by California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
“We cannot allow outdated, overly punitive models of youth detention to persist unchecked. This is about protecting our young people, holding systems accountable, and aligning our policies with what we know works,” said Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe , who led the reform efforts.
Under the new policy:
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The County’s contract with CJJA will be renewed with updated provisions requiring CJJA to share its findings, technical assistance reports, and recommendations directly with both the Board of Supervisors and the new Juvenile Justice Subcommittee , increasing transparency and Board oversight.
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The Board directed the Chief Probation Officer , in collaboration with CJJA and other County stakeholders, to develop and report back within 60 days with a plan to phase out the use of OC spray in all County juvenile facilities within two years .
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The Board also directed the development of updated policies and timelines to de-emphasize the use of physical force and room confinement in favor of evidence-based alternatives.
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The initiative further mandates the expansion of Mandt de-escalation training to all existing juvenile Probation staff.
Supervisor Montgomery Steppe added:
"For far too long, we’ve heard that change is coming. Today, we made clear that the time for transformation is now. Youth deserve environments that foster healing, not harm. Our staff deserve training and tools that prioritize dignity and de-escalation. And our communities deserve full transparency from County systems that hold our young people in their care.”
The Subcommittee on Juvenile Justice, which will consist of Supervisors Montgomery Steppe and Aguirre, will work closely with the CJJA, County departments, community-based organizations, and youth advocacy groups to drive ongoing reforms and recommend further action.
Today’s vote marks a major step in reimagining youth justice in San Diego County and setting a standard for safe, rehabilitative juvenile detention.
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