By Mitchell Roland / [email protected]
Outgoing Governor Jay Inslee is set to visit Green Hill School in Chehalis this coming Monday, where he will engage in discussions focused on “next steps aimed at alleviating dangerous overcrowding in Washington’s juvenile rehabilitation facilities.” This significant event highlights Inslee’s commitment to addressing critical issues within the state’s juvenile justice system.
In a detailed announcement made on Friday, the governor’s office disclosed that Inslee plans to “preview policy and budget proposals aimed at ensuring the state can sustainably and safely serve” the juvenile rehabilitation population, indicating a proactive approach to reforming the currently strained system.
Joining the governor will be a notable group of officials, including state Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Auburn, Rep. Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island, alongside King County Superior Court Judge David Keenan among other key stakeholders. Their collective presence underscores the bipartisan efforts being marshaled to tackle these pressing issues.
The governor’s visit is particularly timely, coming in the wake of a series of significant misconduct cases and escalating safety concerns that have plagued the facility, drawing widespread media attention and raising alarms across the state.
This summer, the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), the state agency in charge of the facility, temporarily halted intakes and transferred a number of juvenile offenders to adult facilities due to the overcrowding crisis. Following legal objections, the agency ultimately reverted to standard operational protocols.
As DCYF transferred 43 residents to the Department of Corrections during the summer months, Allison Krutsinger, the agency’s director of public affairs, highlighted ongoing legislative efforts. Specifically, DCYF has been exploring modifications to JR to 25, a proposed legislation that aims to decrease recidivism by permitting some young offenders to complete their sentences in juvenile rehabilitation even after reaching adulthood.
According to former DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter, the population at Green Hill experienced a dramatic surge, climbing from 150 residents in 2023 to 240 residents by June 2024—representing an alarming 30% overcapacity. This rise in numbers followed state law changes that allowed certain minor offenders to serve their sentences at these facilities. In a noteworthy development, Hunter announced in October that he would not pursue reappointment when Bob Ferguson takes office as the new governor.
Overcrowding at Green Hill School has been identified as a contributing factor to the increase in crime within the facility, incidents which include drug possession, assault, and a range of other felony offenses. The facility has experienced riots, overdoses, and issues related to drug and contraband possession, accompanied by several arrests of staff members for narcotics-related offenses and inappropriate relationships with inmates.
As of July 23, a staggering total of 228 aggressive incidents had been reported across state juvenile rehabilitation facilities so far this year, signalling a crisis that demands immediate attention.
As the legislative session approaches, DCYF administrators have begun to explore the potential establishment of at least two new facilities in Western Washington in a bid to alleviate the overcrowding issues that have become a pressing concern.
In October, the former superintendent of Green Hill School, Jennifer Redman, was reinstated following the departure of Jason Aldana, who accepted a new position within the state Department of Corrections, marking a significant shift in leadership at the facility amidst ongoing challenges.
What specific reforms does Rep. Tana Senn believe are necessary to address the overcrowding issues in Washington’s juvenile rehabilitation facilities following Governor Inslee’s visit to Green Hill School?
**Interview with Rep. Tana Senn on Governor Inslee’s Visit to Green Hill School**
**Mitchell Roland (MR):** Thank you for joining us today, Rep. Senn. As you know, Governor Inslee is set to visit Green Hill School this Monday to address the critical overcrowding issues in Washington’s juvenile rehabilitation facilities. What are your thoughts on his visit?
**Rep. Tana Senn (TS):** Thank you for having me, Mitchell. I believe Governor Inslee’s visit is crucial, particularly given the pressing challenges we face within the juvenile justice system. Overcrowding has created a dangerous environment not just for the young people in these facilities, but also for the staff and the surrounding community. It’s time we take concrete actions to ensure a safe and effective rehabilitation process for our youth.
**MR:** Indeed, safety has been a significant concern. Can you elaborate on the planned policy and budget proposals that will be discussed during the visit?
**TS:** Absolutely. The governor is expected to outline several key proposals aimed at sustainably managing our juvenile rehabilitation facilities. This includes increased funding to enhance staffing and resources at these facilities, as well as legislative changes to address the intake processes. The overarching goal is to ensure that we are providing a rehabilitative environment rather than merely a place of confinement.
**MR:** It’s also worth noting the bipartisan effort involved in this initiative, with various officials joining the governor. How important is this collaboration in implementing effective reforms?
**TS:** Bipartisan cooperation is essential, particularly in addressing issues like juvenile justice, which affect all of us regardless of party affiliation. The presence of lawmakers and key stakeholders, including judges and advocates, signals a unified approach towards finding solutions. Our shared priority is to create a system that prioritizes rehabilitation and can effectively decrease recidivism among juveniles.
**MR:** Speaking of recidivism, the Department of Children, Youth and Families has been exploring changes to legislation that impacts how juvenile offenders serve their sentences. What are your thoughts on the proposed modifications to JR to 25?
**TS:** The modifications under JR to 25 aim to provide alternatives to incarceration, allowing some young offenders to complete their sentences in more supportive, rehabilitative environments. This can significantly reduce recidivism rates, as research indicates that keeping youth in community-based settings leads to better outcomes than traditional incarceration. It’s all about meeting the needs of our young people and helping them reintegrate successfully into society.
**MR:** Thank you for your insights, Rep. Senn. It’s clear that the state is taking steps towards significant reform in the juvenile justice system. We appreciate your commitment to these critical issues.
**TS:** Thank you, Mitchell. I’m hopeful that with continued dialog and action, we can create a more supportive system for our youth.
