Los Angeles County supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to renovate an unused courtroom at the Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF) into a secure, child-friendly family reunification space for incarcerated mothers and to establish a permanent career center to provide job training and reentry support.

Supervisor Holly J. Hahn, who authored the motions, said the courtroom would be a safer and more capacious place for bonding than the small room currently used outside security. She urged the board to act so women in custody have greater access to family contact, which research and practitioners link to improved reentry outcomes. The second motion directs the Department of Economic Opportunity, the Sheriff’s Department and the Justice Care and Opportunity Department to set up a career center that connects women to training and employment before release.

County staff told the board AB109 funds previously allocated for a career center remain available and can be drawn down once the program is ready; no additional budget action was required. Supervisors stressed the need to coordinate release planning so people can immediately access High Road training partnerships and other programs after leaving custody.

Supporters during public comment included formerly incarcerated people and community groups who described the programs as essential for family stability and reducing recidivism. Both motions passed on unanimous roll-call votes; the board asked departments to return with implementation details and evaluation measures.