Bill keeping more adult offenders in juvenile institutions aired
This year’s version of the bill that among other things keeps more adults in juvenile rehabilitation facilities like Green Hill, Naselle and Echo Glen may need a closer look so there are no unfunded burdens on the system.
SB 6160 came before the Senate Human Services and Corrections Committee Wednesday (Jan. 10). Similar to last year’s version (SB 5613, which died in the Senate Ways and Means Committee), it would allow certain juvenile offenders to remain to age 25 before release or transfer to the adult system in the Department of Corrections. For instance, juveniles aged 16 or 17 who are convicted of first-degree robbery.
Sponsors say this would reflect recent research that the longer stays will increase offenders’ chances of successful rehabilitation.
But Federation members have raised concerns that if there are more adults in juvenile facilities, funding for infrastructure, program expansion and safety measures for younger residents is needed. Also, the problem of increasing population could get worse after years of downsizing, including the actual closure of Maple Lane School and last year’s aborted plan to close Naselle Youth Camp.
Investments in our juvenile rehabilitation institutions are needed to ensure the success of the SB 6160 goal of increased chances of success for the offenders, Federation Lobbyist Matt Zuvich told the committee.
“Go slow to go fast,” Zuvich recommended.