WA agency seeks funding for new juvenile detention center as overcrowding persists

With overcrowding at Washington’s two juvenile detention centers, the Department of Children, Youth and Families is asking state lawmakers for money to open a new facility.

The department wants to add a smaller, minimum and medium security site to help alleviate pressure on the other two centers, which had to pause admissions earlier this year because they were over capacity. The goal is for the new facility to also help with providing a more rehabilitative environment and mental health services for young people convicted of crimes.

“This is critical for the safety of our staff,” said Allison Krutsinger, spokesperson for the department. “It’s critical for the safety of the young people that reside there.”

Green Hill School, located in Chehalis, currently houses about 240 people. Its safe operational capacity is 180. The overcrowding is unsustainable, according to the department’s budget request, and young people are not able to get the range of programming and support they need.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/11/22/wa-agency-seeks-funding-for-new-juvenile-detention-center-as-overcrowding-persists/