Disability Rights California v. Kings County Probation Department and Kings County Office of Education

In August 2023, Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) and Disability Rights California (DRC) released a report, “Youth in Crisis: How Kings County Locks Up Youth With Disabilities.” This report outlined findings from a multi-year investigation of the conditions at the Kings County Juvenile Center. Read the full report. DRA and DRC called on Kings County to reform the conditions and needlessly punitive practices at the detention center.

In September 2026, DRC and DRA filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California against Kings County Probation Department, which operates the Juvenile Detention Center, and the Kings County Office of Education (KCOE), which operates the on-site court school, J.C. Montgomery School. Read the complaint.

Also in September 2026, DRA and DRC filed a settlement agreement with the Kings County Probation Department, giving the court jurisdiction to enforce it and resolve any future disputes. The settlement with the Kings County Probation Department will reform conditions for youth detained in the Kings County Juvenile Detention Center. Read the settlement agreement.

Under the settlement agreement, the Kings County Probation Department will work with a nationally recognized expert to implement changes throughout the facility to reduce use of force, transform the facility into a less prison-like environment, expand rehabilitative programming, and increase pre- and post-booking alternatives to detention.

DRC and DRA’s claims against KCOE remain unresolved. Those claims include that KCOE does not adequately locate, identify, and evaluate students with disabilities, and fails to provide required instructional minutes, disability-related supports; and appropriate behavioral interventions.