Washington state’s juvenile rehabilitation (JR) system has been noted in recent years for its innovative, trauma-informed education and therapeutic programming. But 2024 has brought significant challenges. The state’s JR population is increasing, including a 60% increase in young people at Green Hill School since 2023. The resulting overcrowding at certain facilities has created unsafe conditions and reduced the ability for young men to receive services.

Gov. Jay Inslee and leaders from the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families previewed a proposal they’ll send to legislators in January to address the short- and long-term challenges facing JR. The most urgent need facing JR is reducing overcrowding at Green Hill School in Chehalis. The school can safely serve 180 young people but has hovered near or above 220 since spring of 2024 and above 230 since fall.

The proposal includes a plan to open and operate a new DCYF facility at Stafford Creek Corrections Center in Aberdeen. Once fully operational, the facility can serve up to 48 young men ages 18–25. DCYF plans to offer programming to support young people in building leadership and peer mentor skills before transitioning into their community, whether it be back to Green Hill School or a community facility.

The governor has authorized DCYF to begin preparing the site and recruitment for employees now, with a goal of opening in February.

“Safety is our absolute top priority,” Inslee said. “Everyone is eager to resume the quality education and programming these young men need, but that will only be possible when we address this dangerous overcrowding situation. We need more space, it’s as simple as that. I appreciate DCYF’s efforts to evaluate nearly a dozen possible sites and balance the many criteria we know are important to the students, their families and our JR employees.”

“With overcrowding, the staff is required to focus on maintaining safety only instead of fostering genuine relationships essential to delivering successful outcomes and rehabilitation for our young people, which is why staff do this work,” said Jennifer Redman, who is currently serving as Green Hill’s interim Superintendent.

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) released an updated crime report in July highlighting a 24% increase in juvenile arrests since 2023. Cases that stalled during and after the COVID-19 pandemic are now being adjudicated. Staffing challenges make it difficult to consistently operate safely. And the changing demographics of the JR population following adoption for JR to 25 requires new strategies for programming and operating of facilities.

Green Hill School serves young men, ages 18–24, who have been adjudicated of juvenile offenses, most of which include serious violent felonies. Most residents need medium and maximum custody. Of the current population, 70 residents are serving longer sentences that will require them to be transferred to a Department of Corrections facility when they turn 25.

“This new facility is an important step towards alleviating the immediate safety issues at Green Hill, but it’s not the only step we need,” said Ross Hunter, secretary of DCYF. “Our staff is very dedicated to the success of the young people in our JR system, and this package gives staff the tools and resources to do their work safely, now and into the future.”

Inslee also emphasized that the new facility is not a one and done solution. Once the program is running at full capacity, Green Hill will still be operating beyond capacity.

Inslee said DCYF and legislators will need to continue looking at other site options, while also considering policy changes that can help divert or better manage who is sent to state JR facilities.

For example, there may be options that better allow the state to work with counties and courts to help young people serve shorter sentences in their communities. And Inslee is asking DCYF to explore additional opportunities for diversion as an alternative to detention within JR.

“The goal of JR is to give these kids and young men a real chance at returning home with the skills and education to be successful,” Inslee said. “As the population within our JR system has evolved, we need the system to evolve too.”

Inslee will release his full budget proposal in mid-December. Detailed information about the governor’s and DCYF’s JR proposals will be available then.

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