Wilson Signs Bill Regulating Out-of-State Juvenile Camps
Gov. Pete Wilson on Tuesday signed legislation imposing strict standards on out-of-state camps that accept troubled California youths for military-style training and rehabilitation.
Other sections of the wide-ranging juvenile care bill require new oversight and audits over foster homes and group homes for children removed by court orders from the custody of their parents.
The new rules for out-of-state facilities were inserted in the legislation after the brutal death of 16-year-old Nicholaus Contreraz of Sacramento while undergoing punishment at the private Arizona Boys Ranch in March.
In signing the bill, by Sen. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena), Wilson said, “We’re taking further steps to protect vulnerable children who have been placed in out-of-home placement.”
The measure, which takes effect immediately, requires camps outside California to be certified by California authorities and comply with state requirements that, for example, forbid inflicting physical punishment.
It also cuts off funds for counties that send delinquent youths to camps that do not, within the next year, apply for and receive California certification.
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