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DATE: |
October 21, 2025 |
04 |
SUBJECT
Title
APPROVAL OF JUVENILE JUSTICE COORDINATING COUNCIL AMENDED BYLAWS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
In 1996, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) established the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (Council) pursuant to section 749.22 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, as part of the overall efforts throughout the State of California to reform juvenile justice and the movement towards rehabilitative and restorative services versus mass incarceration. The Council serves as a regional, coordinated advisory group dedicated to strengthening and supporting communities and families. It provides guidance to the Board on matters related to juvenile justice, and is responsible for overseeing the development of prevention, intervention, and graduated sanction services, as well as related policies and programs. The Council’s Bylaws were last updated in 2021, and on March 6, 2025, amendments were approved to better align the Bylaws with Board Policy A-74 Participation in County Boards Commissions, and Committees.
Today’s action seeks Board approval of the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council amended Bylaws, which once approved, would be effective immediately.
RECOMMENDATION
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Approve the amended Bylaws of the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (Council) Bylaws update further aligns with Board Policy A-74 Participation in County Boards Commissions, and Committees and aims to promote equitable participation and inclusive representation within the Council’s membership. These changes also support transparency and fairness while ensuring the Council remains focused on its mission without political influence.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Adoption of the updated Bylaws enhances the long-term sustainability of the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (Council) by promoting clear governance and consistent decision-making practices. These changes help ensure structural integrity, operational stability, and continued alignment with the Council’s mission.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
On March 6, 2025, the Council approved the amended Bylaws. The vote was unanimous, with no members opposing or abstaining, and one member absent.
BACKGROUND
In 1996, the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors (Board) established the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (Council) advisory group pursuant to section 749.22 of the Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC), as part of a broader statewide shift away from the mass incarceration of youth. This movement emphasized restorative justice, rehabilitation, and community-based alternatives to detention. The Council was created by statute to provide guidance to the Board on these issues, and oversee juvenile justice programs that focus on prevention, early intervention, and reintegration, aligning with evidence-based practices that support positive youth development and reduce recidivism.
Membership for the Council is established by WIC section 749.22 and includes the Chief Probation Officer, who serves as the Chair, and one representative from the following agencies: District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Board of Supervisors, Department of Social Services, Department of Mental Health, a community-based drug and alcohol program, a city police department, the County Office of Education or a school district, an at-large community representative, and representative(s) from a nonprofit community-based organizations providing services to minors.
On March 6, 2025, the Council reviewed and adopted amended Bylaws of the County of San Diego Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (Bylaws). The changes to the Bylaws were to make them more comprehensive and bring them into alignment with Board Policy A-74. These amendments included the addition of provisions to:
§ Article 1, Section C, adds that the Council is a non-partisan, non-sectarian, non-profit making advisory group. It does not take part officially in, nor does it lend itself to any political issues.
§ Article 2, Section(s) B, C, and D, address Council size allowing for additional voting members by a majority vote, establishes the terms of office for community members as well as how to fill vacancies, particularly for those community member positions.
§ Article 4, Section A, includes language that allows the Council to elect officers, other than the Chief as the Chairperson, by a majority vote.
§ Article 5, Sections A-D, adds the process for creating subcommittees for the Council and includes related governance for the SB 823 Realignment Subcommittee established by section 1995 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
§ Article 6, Section A, move to the use of Rosenberg’s Rules of Order versus Robert’s Rules of Order, based on the consensus of the Council.
§ Article 7, now requires a two-thirds vote of the Council to Amend the Bylaws, not just a majority vote.
§ Articles 8 and 9, create standing rule provisions for the Council and effective dates for the bylaws once adopted.
The action today requests that the Board approve the amended Bylaws of the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council. Upon approval, these would be implemented immediately.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today’s proposed action to approve amended bylaws for the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council supports the Empower initiative in the County of San Diego 2025 -2030 Strategic Plan. By aligning the bylaws to Board Policy A-74, it helps to further transparency and accountability of the Council.
Respectfully submitted,
ebony n. shelton
Chief Administrative Officer
ATTACHMENT(S)
Attachment A: CLEAN COPY - BYLAWS OF THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO JUVENILE JUSTICE COORDINATING COUNCIL
Attachment B: INFORMATIONAL COPY - BYLAWS OF THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO JUVENILE JUSTICE COORDINATING COUNCIL