WASHINGTON – Two programs within the Los Angeles County Probation Department have been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties.

The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.

NACo recognized the L.A. Model Juvenile Rehabilitative Program at Probation’s Campus Kilpatrick (pictured above) for its ground-breaking, holistic approach to juvenile justice.

NACo also recognized L.A. County Probation’s Passive Alert Canine Detection Program which has led to the removal of drugs, ammunition and weapons from the streets of Los Angeles County.

NACo President Roy Charles Brooks said, “Counties seize opportunities to deliver services more efficiently and build stronger communities every day. Achievement Award-winning programs are examples for counties that are determined to enhance services for our residents.”

The L.A. Model Juvenile Rehabilitative Program at Campus Kilpatrick is a small-group treatment model that is youth-centered and embodies a culture of care rather than a culture of control.

The model’s central framework relies on all campus staff including Probation, the Los Angeles County Office of Education and mental health providers to coordinate and deliver a range of integrated services that collectively aim to cultivate opportunities for growth and healing while promoting personal autonomy and responsibilities.

Since its opening in June 2017, Campus Kilpatrick has received unprecedented support from a host of supporters. The program continues to chart a progressive course in changing juvenile justice for the better.

A comprehensive video about Campus Kilpatrick may be viewed here.

The L.A. County Probation Department’s Passive Alert Canine Detection Program uses dogs specifically trained in the detection of illicit narcotics or firearms to assist Probation in its operations.

The Department has three K-9’s in its unit: Labrador retriever Penny, who is trained to detect firearms and ammunition, and springer spaniels Chloe and Lola that are trained to detect narcotics.

The team was recently named a Southern California Everyday Hero by NBC4 Southern California. Click here to view NBC4’s segment on Probation’s Canine Detection Program.

Laborador retriever Penny, a member of L.A. County Probation’s Passive Alert Canine Program.

“The L.A. Model Juvenile Rehabilitative Program at Campus Kilpatrick and the Passive Alert Canine Program are just two of the ground-breaking and first-class programs that L.A. County Probation embarks upon on a regular basis,” said L.A. County Chief Probation Officer Terri L. McDonald.

“We thank NACo for this honor and the recognition of the thousands of probation employees, canines included, who work tirelessly to make this Department an effective and integral part of our communities,” McDonald said.

Nationally, awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more.

NACo will recognize award-winning counties at its 2018 Annual Conference and Exposition July 13-16 in Nashville/Davidson County, Tennessee.

Started in 1970, NACo’s annual Achievement Awards program is designed to recognize county government innovations. Each nominee is judged on its own merits and not against other applications received.

The National Association of Countiesunites America’s 3,069 county governments. Founded in 1935, NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public’s understanding of county government and exercise exemplary leadership in public service. Learn more at www.naco.org.