Dear OCEA member,
Your union met with Orangewood management Dec. 10, 2025, to discuss ongoing safety issues. We have a follow-up meeting next Wednesday, Jan. 14. Here are the subjects we discussed and progress that was made:
Better Communication About High-Risk Youth
Many of you reached out asking for better ways to inform staff when youth with a history of aggression come back to Orangewood. OCEA followed up on this issue and suggested information is shared before the care plan is completed. OCEA asked if there was a central location where staff could look up high risk youth information. (i.e. prior assaults, triggers, coping skills, anything important to prevent escalation, etc.). OCFC management is looking into whether this is feasible.
We also discussed the possibility of having more information collected on the DDOD form, such as deescalation tactics that work with that particular youth, and other relevant information for their return to Orangewood. Currently, DDOD form is shared with all the admin team and then assigned cottage SSS I as needed. OCFC is looking into making this form more useful and also checking if staff are able to pull old care plans and where those are stored.
Support After Assaults
OCEA confirmed that staff who are assaulted should receive a physical packet right away from their supervisor. This packet should include workers’ comp documents, Sedgwick information, medical resources, and EAP details. OCFC management also confirmed that staff have the right to leave immediately for medical attention after an incident occurs. If this isn’t happening for you, let us know.
Coordination with Stakeholders Regarding High Risk Youth
OCFC shared that weekly meetings with Probation and other key stakeholders are continuing to discuss specific high risk youth. Due to the nature of criminal activity and criminal charges discussed in these meetings, details cannot be shared with OCEA; however, HCA staff are present and participating.
Shift Change Safety
OCEA raised concerns and discussed potential strategies to improve communication during shift changes, particularly when youth are already escalated. Improving communication during these transitions may help support de-escalation efforts and reduce the risk of physical harm to staff, especially during after-hours shifts when a significant number of assaults occur. OCFC stated that there are shift summaries, cottage meetings weekly, and conversations when there is shift change. If you have additional ideas to improve safety during shift change, please let us know.
Staffing Transparency
OCEA asked management directly about staffing levels and their impact on safety. Management confirmed that a staffing analysis is underway and agreed to share the results with OCEA once available. We also reviewed current staffing statistics.
Mental Health Placement Safety
OCEA raised ongoing concerns about the return of youth with higher mental health needs, including those with psychiatric needs, special needs, and Regional Center clients. We discussed the structure of the population collaboration meetings, noting that these meetings are primarily placement-focused and do not typically address behaviors that may pose safety risks to staff. We will continue to explore with OCFC management whether there is space in these meetings to discuss staff safety or if another space is needed.
What’s Next
Our next meeting is Jan. 14, 2026. If you have concerns or suggestions, you would like us to bring up, contact Carolyn Gasga at cgasga@ocea.org.
In Solidarity,
OCEA
