| El Centro, CA —The Imperial County Department of Social Services recently welcomed externs from the Imperial County Superior Court to the Betty Jo McNeece Receiving Home for an educational tour focused on the services and partnerships that support vulnerable children and youth throughout the county. Assistant Presiding Judge D., who currently presides over juvenile court proceedings, joined the visit and provided opening remarks to the externs. His remarks emphasized the importance of collaboration among the Court, County departments and community partners in serving youth and families. During the tour, externs received a firsthand look at how the Betty Jo McNeece Receiving Home provides a safe, stable and supportive environment for children and youth who need emergency placement during times of crisis. Staff explained that the Receiving Home’s work extends beyond temporary shelter. Each youth’s immediate needs are evaluated and addressed, including safety, medical care, education, behavioral health, recreation, religious services and other supportive resources that promote stability and overall well-being while longer-term placement plans are developed. “The visit provided an important opportunity for the externs to better understand the connection between the Court and the services provided at the Betty Jo McNeece Receiving Home,” said Paula S. Llanas, Director of the Imperial County Department of Social Services. “Our role is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where each youth’s immediate needs are met and they have access to the resources necessary to help stabilize them during a difficult transition.” Externs also met with members of the Imperial County Behavioral Health Services Positive Engagement Team, known as PET. The team discussed its innovative work with trained animal handlers and dogs to provide positive interventions and help reduce the stigma associated with mental health services. Throughout the visit, externs asked questions about the intake process, daily programming and the coordinated efforts of the Court, Behavioral Health Services, Child Welfare Services, law enforcement, education partners, the PET team and Receiving Home staff. These discussions demonstrated the multidisciplinary approach required to provide individualized care and support to every child, whether they are arriving at the Receiving Home for the first time or returning for an additional stay. Opportunities such as this strengthen the partnership between the Superior Court and the County while providing future legal and public-service professionals with a broader understanding of the dependency system and the work that takes place beyond the courtroom. Imperial County is one of the communities that benefits from having an emergency shelter home available to support children and youth. By seeing the facility and meeting the professionals involved in its daily operations, externs gained a deeper understanding of how judicial decisions, social services and community partnerships work together to promote the safety, well-being and long-term success of children and families. The County is proud to partner with the Imperial County Superior Court in creating educational experiences that encourage collaboration, shared responsibility and a greater understanding of the network of professionals dedicated to serving local youth. The County also appreciates the Court’s commitment to preparing the next generation of legal and public-service professionals and looks forward to continuing this important partnership. |
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Imperial County Hosts Superior Court Externs at Betty Jo McNeece Receiving Home
July 22, 2026
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Imperial County Hosts Superior Court Externs at Betty Jo McNeece Receiving Home
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