Washington State Announces Plan For New Youth Detention Center To Ease Overcrowding

Washington Governor Jay Inslee and leaders from the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) previewed a proposal to be sent to legislators in January to address short- and long-term challenges facing the state’s juvenile rehabilitation (JR), including urgently reducing overcrowding. The state’s JR population is increasing, including a 60% increase in young people at Green Hill School in Chehalis since 2023. The resulting overcrowding at certain facilities has created unsafe conditions and reduced the ability for young men to receive services.

The most urgent need facing JR is reducing overcrowding at Green Hill School . . .