WSAC and DCYF Reach Agreement to Address Juvenile Detention Crisis

The Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) and its co-plaintiff counties reached an agreement with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to address the ongoing juvenile detention crisis. The agreement was in response to a lawsuit filed by WSAC after DCYF suspended intakes to its juvenile rehabilitation facilities.

Under the agreement, DCYF will restart the admission of juvenile offenders to DCYF facilities by today, August 9, 2024, and provide transportation for such offenders to the extent possible to these facilities within three business days. DCYF also agrees to provide advance notice of at least ten judicial days to WSAC and its co-plaintiff counties of any future restrictions on admissions.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with DCYF that addresses the urgent needs of our juveniles and our counties,” said Lisa Janicki, WSAC President and Skagit County Commissioner. “This resolution will help ensure juvenile offenders receive the care and supervision they require. Our primary goal is to protect the safety and well-being of our communities.”

WSAC believes this agreement represents a positive step forward in addressing the current crisis. However, any long-term solution requires significant investment by the Legislature in the facilities and operations to prevent this crisis from occurring again.

“We’re grateful for the assistance of the Governor in reaching a resolution and look forward to working with the Legislature to secure appropriate funding for these facilities and ensure it doesn’t happen again,” said Derek Young, WSAC Interim Executive Director.

Media Contact:
Derek Young, WSAC Interim Executive Director
360.999.0029

About WSAC:

Created in 1906, the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) is a voluntary, non-profit association serving Washington’s 39 counties. WSAC members include elected county commissioners, council members, and executives.

WSAC provides various services to its member counties, including advocacy, training, workshops, and a forum to network and share best practices. WSAC also serves as an umbrella for affiliate organizations representing county road engineers, local public health officials, county administrators, county planners, emergency managers, county human service administrators, solid waste managers, clerks of county boards, and others.