The closure of the Northeast Juvenile (NEJ) Probation Office by Chief Probation Officer Guillermo Viera-Rosa and newly appointed Chief Deputy Kimberly Epps is a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of an already marginalized community.
For years, NEJ, located at 1601 Eastlake Ave, LA, CA 90033, has served as a vital lifeline for at-risk youth in an area plagued by systemic issues like poverty, drugs, and gang violence. This office has played a crucial role in stabilizing the lives of thousands of young people, offering second chances and alternatives to incarceration.
By shutting down this essential resource, the County of Los Angeles is not just closing a building—they are condemning thousands of young people to a future marked by crime and incarceration. The decision to close NEJ highlights the disconnect between powerful institutions and the vulnerable populations they are meant to serve. Despite NEJ’s proven role in reducing crime and providing essential support, it appears the office is being sacrificed for financial gain or political expediency.
Closing NEJ is not an isolated act; it is part of a larger pattern of disinvestment in underserved communities. By shutting down NEJ, the Board is once again failing the people of Los Angeles County, particularly the 611,000 residents of the neighborhoods NEJ serves. Relocating the office to the distant Firestone location at 8526 S. Grape St., far removed from its current service area, will force youth to navigate dangerous territories to access services. The hardship of traveling such distances will lead to more violations, arrests, warrants, and inevitably push more youth into the broken juvenile system.
The Board of Supervisors and LA County Probation leadership must reverse this decision. The closure of NEJ, or its relocation to the Firestone office, is a grave disservice to the community. The county must prioritize the safety and well-being of its most vulnerable citizens. The future of our community depends on it.
Respectfully submitted,
Deputy Probation Officer II