purpose
Resources for those who were wronged is our mission for past Maclaren Hall residents.
Maclaren Hall, also known as the Los Angeles County Juvenile Hall, was a facility located in El Monte, California, that primarily served as a temporary shelter for children in the foster care system and those involved in the juvenile justice system. Here’s a brief history of Maclaren Hall:
Establishment and Early Years:
It was named after a prominent Los Angeles attorney, Joseph Maclaren, who played a crucial role in child welfare issues.
Growth and Expansion:
Over the years, Maclaren Hall underwent several expansions to accommodate the growing number of children in need of care.
It became one of the largest and most well-known institutions of its kind in the United States.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Maclaren Hall faced significant criticism and scrutiny due to allegations of overcrowding, inadequate living conditions, and allegations of misconduct.
These criticisms led to inquiries and reforms aimed at improving the care and treatment of children in the facility.
Closure and Reforms:
Following a consent decree in 1986, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors initiated reforms and improvements to address the issues raised at Maclaren Hall.
Efforts were made to transition away from institutional care towards community-based alternatives for children in need.
Maclaren Hall officially closed its doors in 2003 after decades of operation.
The closure was part of a broader movement to shift the focus towards family-centered and community-based care models.