Changes Instituted at Casa Pacifica

Casa Pacifica, the shelter for abused and neglected children that became the focus of intense state scrutiny earlier this year, is off to a fresh start, its leaders say.

Executive Director Steve Elson said the shelter has agreed with state regulators on an improvement plan and has appointed new managers and an advisory board. “We’re in a good spot now and people are feeling good about it,” he said.

The private, nonprofit organization, operated in cooperation with Ventura County, provides shelter and treatment for children who are taken from their families by authorities or who have severe behavioral problems.

The state Department of Social Services launched its investigation of the facility in October 1996 after a 9-year-old boy sexually assaulted a toddler.

Earlier this month, state regulators placed Casa Pacifica on three years of probation. The shelter agreed to take a number of steps to improve care and supervision in order to keep its license.

These steps include segregating older boys and girls at its facility, creating a separate area for children under 6 and providing more training for its staff.

Casa Pacifica officials have also hired several new managers over the past couple of months, including a director of finance, director of education and clinical director.

“This will help us to improve on the quality of care,” Elson said.

Several government leaders stepped forward Monday to join Casa Pacifica’s advisory board.

State Sens. Jack O’Connell and Cathie Wright and U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly, who have shown support for Casa Pacifica, will participate on the nine-member board.

The board has no policy-making authority, but can make recommendations to Casa Pacifica’s board of directors.

“The flavor of the board is slanted toward public policy so they can advise us on those kind of issues,” Elson said.