Amid the alarming rise in juvenile violent crime, Washington Governor Jay Inslee has highlighted that significant overcrowding at state facilities is severely limiting the resources and services available to young offenders. This issue is especially pertinent at Green Hill School, one of the state’s critical medium/maximum security facilities located in Chehalis, where the need for reform has become increasingly urgent. In response to these challenges, the governor is actively proposing the establishment of a new juvenile rehabilitation facility aimed at enhancing support for troubled youth.
Green Hill School has experienced a staggering 60% increase in its population over the past year, pushing it beyond its designed capacity. The facility, which is intended to safely accommodate 180 young residents, has consistently been housing more than 220 youths since spring 2024 and has even surpassed 230 at times since last fall, creating significant strain on its resources. This heightened density has precipitated dangerous conditions within the facility, impeding the crucial rehabilitative services available to these young men.
“The state is going to move forward by setting a new juvenile justice facility,” Inslee stated emphatically during a recent address. The proposed facility will be strategically located adjacent to the existing Stafford Creek facility in Aberdeen, ensuring that it can be efficiently integrated into the rehabilitation framework.
While Stafford Creek serves as a Department of Corrections facility, Governor Inslee clarified that the new juvenile rehabilitation facility will be under the aegis of the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families and will be staffed with specialized juvenile justice professionals dedicated to addressing the needs of young offenders. Once fully operational, this facility will provide vital services for up to 48 young men aged 18 to 25.
Inslee firmly reiterated the commitment to maintaining the integrity of the juvenile justice system, stating, “This will be a juvenile justice facility. It will be staffed by juvenile justice personnel. It will operate according to the rules of the juvenile justice system.” The governor emphasized that while this new facility is a critical step forward, it represents just the beginning of a broader strategy to address juvenile justice effectively.
Addressing the anticipated increase in young individuals entering the system, Inslee acknowledged the necessity for future expansions, saying, “If you look at the numbers of the anticipated increase in people coming into the system, there will have to be some additional capacity at some later date.”
Though specifics regarding funding for the new facility remain vague, Inslee assured that “This is not expensive.” However, he also stressed the inherent costs of providing around-the-clock care and rehabilitation services, hinting at possible budgetary proposals for legislators to consider as a means of addressing funding logistics. “When you have to provide 24/7 care and rehabilitative services, it is not cheap,” he admitted, underscoring the financial realities involved in such undertakings.
Washington State Representative Tana Senn echoed the governor’s sentiments, asserting that a dedicated facility to accommodate young men until the age of 25 is essential for the state’s future. “The added capacity and reduced crowding are critical to the core function of juvenile rehabilitation and that is the rehabilitation,” she articulated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest
James Lynch is a reporter at KIRO Newsradio. You can read more of James’ stories here. Follow James on X, or email him here.
**What are the main goals of the new juvenile rehabilitation facility proposed by Governor Inslee?**
**Interview with Governor Jay Inslee on Juvenile Justice Reform in Washington State**
**Interviewer:** Governor Inslee, thank you for joining us today. Your recent proposal for a new juvenile rehabilitation facility comes amid a significant rise in juvenile violent crime and overcrowding at existing facilities, particularly Green Hill School. Can you tell us more about the motivation behind this initiative?
**Governor Inslee:** Thank you for having me. The alarming increase in juvenile violent crime we’ve seen lately is deeply concerning. Our current facilities are overcrowded, especially at Green Hill School, which is operating far beyond its intended capacity. This overcrowding has serious ramifications, limiting our ability to provide essential rehabilitative services. My aim with the new facility is to alleviate these pressures and create a supportive environment for young offenders, focused on rehabilitation rather than mere confinement.
**Interviewer:** Green Hill School has reported a staggering 60% increase in its population over the past year. How has this impacted the conditions inside the facility?
**Governor Inslee:** The conditions within Green Hill School have become increasingly dangerous due to overcrowding. Originally designed to accommodate 180 youths, it has been housing over 220 consistently, sometimes exceeding 230. This strain not only affects the safety of the residents but also severely impacts the quality and availability of rehabilitative services that are crucial for their development and reintegration into society.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that the new facility will be located near Stafford Creek. How do you envision this location benefiting the juvenile justice system?
**Governor Inslee:** The strategic placement of the new facility adjacent to Stafford Creek allows for a seamless integration into the broader rehabilitation framework we’re building. While Stafford Creek is a Department of Corrections facility, the new center will be operated by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, ensuring that the focus remains on youth rehabilitation. This collaboration will help streamline resources and share expertise, ultimately improving outcomes for the young people we serve.
**Interviewer:** It seems that a dedicated staff of juvenile justice professionals will be essential for this initiative. What qualifications or specialties will these professionals possess?
**Governor Inslee:** Absolutely, staffing this facility with qualified professionals is a top priority. We will ensure that the staff are specialized in juvenile justice and trained to understand the unique challenges faced by young individuals in the system. They will not only offer support and guidance but will also implement rehabilitative programs tailored to the needs of our youths, preparing them for successful reintegration into their communities.
**Interviewer:** You have stated that this new facility is just the beginning of a larger reform agenda. Could you elaborate on your vision for the future of juvenile justice in Washington?
**Governor Inslee:** Our commitment to reforming juvenile justice in Washington is about more than just a new building. It’s about creating a system that values rehabilitation over punishment. We need to fundamentally rethink how we treat our young offenders, providing them with the resources they need to change their paths. This new facility is a crucial step, but we will pursue additional reforms and investments to ensure that all young people in the system have access to the help they need to turn their lives around.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Governor Inslee, for sharing your insights on this important issue. It sounds like this initiative could mark a turning point for juvenile justice in our state.
**Governor Inslee:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this. I’m hopeful and committed to making real improvements for our youths in the juvenile justice system.
