Statement on Legislative Budgetary Action to Close Naselle Youth Camp
Olympia, WA – On March 9, the Washington State House and Senate released the 2022 Supplemental Operating Budget, which included direction for the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to discontinue youth placements at Naselle Youth Camp, with the intent to close the facility by June 30, 2023.
Budget language included direction for DCYF to transition the Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR) facility to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources during the 2023-25 biennium for conversion to an outdoor school.
The 2022 Supplemental Budget is now on to the Governor’s desk for signature.
At this early stage, DCYF has not yet developed implementation plans. There are currently 33 youth in residence at Naselle Youth Camp, and the facility employs 93 JR staff.
“I am proud of the work that we have done to put youth first at Naselle Youth Camp,” said Felice Upton, Assistant Secretary of JR. “Staff at Naselle have changed the life trajectories for many young people since the facility was established in 1966.”
With a national decline in youth violent crime, the number of incarcerated youth in Washington JR has dropped 73% since 2000, requiring fewer facilities.
Stakeholders across the state have contributed to reductions in Washington’s youth population in JR through diversion and community-based programs. JR has made concerted efforts to develop therapeutic environments and focus on treatment.
DCYF has also prioritized ensuring youth in facilities remain closer to their home communities and families.
While closure is legislatively directed, the decision supports the agency’s priority to place youth closer to home and community and recognizes the declining state trends in youth incarceration.
###
Contact:
Jason Wettstein, Director of Communications | 360-464-0294 | jason.wettstein@dcyf.wa.gov
|
