Safe Staffing Levels in Juvenile Rehabilitation
Advocate for more facility capacity and resources to protect workers and support youth.
Washington's Juvenile Rehabilitation system has been allowed to deteriorate into disastrous consequences for both the residents and the staff.
Not only do staff feel overwhelmed and unable to interact with residents, but they are also unable to engage residents in enriching programming that would benefit the youth.
Our goals this legislative session are added capacity, more staff, and better safety on the job.
Washington's juvenile rehabilitation facilities provide education, treatment, behavioral health services, and accountability programs that help young people successfully return to their communities.
Years of understaffing, high turnover, and mandatory overtime have made it increasingly difficult to maintain therapeutic programming and safe environments for both staff and youth.
Investing in recruitment, retention, and safe staffing levels improves safety, reduces turnover, and helps young people leave the system better prepared for success. Workers and youth alike benefit when facilities are adequately staffed and supported.