New Facility Aims to Alleviate Overcrowding in Washington’s Juvenile Rehabilitation System
Washington State is facing a crisis in its juvenile rehabilitation (JR) system due to a surge in the number of young people requiring services. A proposed new facility in Aberdeen aims to alleviate the pressure on Green Hill School, currently operating far beyond its intended capacity.
The announcement came on Monday, with Governor Jay Inslee standing alongside lawmakers, agency leaders, and community stakeholders. They outlined a proposed westward expansion at the Stafford Creek Correctional Facility complex in Aberdeen. By February, it’s hoped the new facility will be ready to house 48 young men between 18 and 25. In Washington state, those aged 18-25 are considered young adults and are housed in a unique section within a separate facility. The hope is for this new facility to offer innovative programming capable of helping these young men develop leadership and peer mentoring skills, preparing them to successfully reintegrate into their communities, whether returning to Green Hill or community-based settings.
Governor Inslee emphasized safety as the paramount concern: “Everyone is eager to resume the quality education and programming these young men need, but that only becomes possible when we address this dangerous overcrowding situation. We need more space, it’s as simple as that.” He acknowledges the role of the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) in wrangling the situation, stating, “I appreciate DCYF’s efforts in meticulously evaluating nearly a dozen possible sites, carefully balancing the many criteria we know are important to the students, their families, and our JR employees.”
The facility aims to rectify the urgent situation at Gland Devinrong Zhine Hill, which is urgently in need of space to safely house youth and effectively implement needed intervention programs. “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 young people— which is why they do this work,” explained Jennifer Redman, Green Hill’s interim Superintendent.
The state’s JR population is a moving target, bolstered by factors such as stalled court cases buried by the COVID-19 pandemic. The WASPC reported a 24% increase in juvenile arrests since 2023. These factors necessitate both immediate and long-term solutions.
While this new facility marks a significant step toward addressing safety concerns, many believe it’s only the beginning. Green Hill will likely remain overcrowded even after the new facility opens its doors. The governor and legislators plan to continue examining additional site options and policy changes.
Inslee envisions a system capable of diverting individuals into community-based services, reducing the number of youth sent to state JR programs.
“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, underlining the need for a flexible system.
Further details regarding the governor’s proposal will be unveiled in his budget announcement scheduled for mid-December. Those interested in learning more can anticipate detailed information about both Gov. Inslee’s and DCYF’s upcoming proposals.
* What are the specific security measures that are being considered for the new facility to ensure the safety of both the residents and the surrounding community?
## Interview: New Juvenile Rehabilitation Facility Proposed for Aberdeen
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today to discuss the proposed new juvenile rehabilitation facility in Aberdeen.
**Guest (e.g., Representative representing Aberdeen or a DCYF spokesperson):** Thank you for having me. I’m glad to shed light on this critical issue.
**Interviewer:** Our viewers might be wondering why this new facility is necessary.
**Guest:** The current situation at Green Hill School is unsustainable. It’s painfully overcrowded, and that’s having a detrimental effect on both the young people and the staff. [[1](https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/state/washington/article296143169.html)]This new facility in Aberdeen is a much-needed step to alleviate that pressure and create a safer, more supportive environment.
**Interviewer:** Can you tell us more about this new facility? Where will it be located, and who will it serve?
**Guest:** The plan is to build the new facility as a westward expansion of the Stafford Creek Correctional Facility complex in Aberdeen. It’s expected to be operational by February and will house up to 48 young men between the ages of 18 and 25.
**Interviewer:** Why focus on this age group?
**Guest:** In Washington, young adults aged 18-25 are treated differently than younger juveniles within the system. They have unique needs, and this facility will be tailored to provide specialized programming for them.
**Interviewer:** What kind of programs are being considered?
**Guest:** We want to focus on rehabilitation and reintegration. The goal is to equip these young men with leadership and peer mentoring skills, preparing them for successful reentry into their communities, whether that’s through returning to Green Hill or transitioning to community-based settings.
**Interviewer:** Governor Inslee has emphasized safety as a primary concern. What assurances can you give to the community regarding safety at this new facility?
**Guest:** We understand the community’s concerns, and we’re committed to ensuring the safety of both the young men housed there and the surrounding community. The new facility will be designed with security measures in mind, and the DCYF will be working closely with local law enforcement and community leaders to address any concerns.
**Interviewer:** This sounds like a positive step forward. What’s the next step in the process?
**Guest:** The next step is for the legislature to approve the funding for the project. We’re hopeful that they will recognize the urgent need for this facility and move swiftly to provide the necessary resources.
