San Diego

San Diego County probation officials have removed four juveniles from a private 24-hour school in Madera County upon learning that state authorities were planning to revoke the school’s license.

The institution, Ahwahnee Hills, had its license lifted Friday by state officials who had cited problems in the administration and other parts of the program. Doug Willingham, deputy chief probation officer of San Diego County, said four San Diego County youths were removed from the care of the facility on Thursday.

Under a contract with Ahwahnee Hills, the county once had up to 30 juveniles at the facility, but it stopped sending youths in May, 1984, after problems began to surface, Willingham said.

Ahwahnee Hills specialized in young offenders with emotional problems. Willingham said his office is negotiating with a local group, as yet unlicensed, to handle youths with those problems. He declined to identify the principals of the planned facility, stressing that the contract is still being negotiated.