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Following a nationwide search, the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) announced the hiring of superintendents for Echo Glen Children’s Center and its new JR facility Harbor Heights.
The agency announced Jeffrey Wallace as Echo Glen’s newest superintendent. Wallace has worked in juvenile justice for the last 20 years, including leadership roles at secure facilities, treatment programs, and community-based initiatives. He has a background in social work, crisis interventionist and has previously served on Iowa's Juvenile Justice Advisory Council.
“I envision a facility where every team member and young person feels valued and empowered,” said Wallace. “My goal is to build a collaborative, safe, and innovative environment that promotes continuous learning, personal growth, and a lasting culture of positive change.”
Kendrick Rochelle was announced as the superintendent of Harbor Heights. Harbor Heights, DCYF’s newest JR facility in Grays Harbor County, will hold up to 46 young men once it opens.
Rochelle has over 26 years of experience in public service and juvenile justice. He has previously served as Director of Facilities in Arkansas, Director of Juvenile Services in Louisiana, and Director of Operations in Ohio.
“My mission is to create a safe, structured, and supportive environment for young people and staff by holding both accountable, while maintaining fairness and respect,” said Rochelle. “I lead by example, inspiring and empowering staff and young people by understanding their backgrounds, providing mentorship, and setting high expectations.”
Hiring for Green Hill’s superintendent is still ongoing. DCYF will be reopening the job recruitment in the coming days. Hiring is also ongoing for staff at Harbor Heights.
“Having strong leadership at our secure facilities leading our staff, inspiring young people, and partnering with community is a step in the right direction as we take on the challenges we face in JR,” said DCYF Secretary Tana Senn. “We remain committed to recruiting talented individuals who have a passion for rehabilitation and commitment to safety.”
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is implementing a new Rule Violations and Hearing Process at Echo Glen Children’s Center and Green Hill School as part of a new Behavior Management System.
By providing a structure for staff to address violations, young people will receive clear and impartial consequences that are related, logical, developmentally appropriate, and restorative throughout juvenile rehabilitation facilities.
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Green Hill School and Echo Glen Children's Center earned their Behavioral Health Agency (BHA) licensure from the Washington State Department of Health, which means they can now access additional Medicaid funding to expand services, recruit more professionals, and improve programming.
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Over 30 young people in Juvenile Rehabilitation across the state had the opportunity to attend an educational boat tour of the Port of Tacoma as part of a new initiative to develop outdoor recreation programs that support successful reentry through community partnerships.
Young people enjoyed being on a boat, learning about career opportunities in the marine industry, and touring the boat itself. From the engine room to the navigation system, young people explored and asked questions.
“If just one young person gets that spark and wants to pursue a career it’s worth it” said one staff member who traveled from Wenatchee with young people from Canyon View Community Facility.
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Hoping to learn more about Juvenile Rehabilitation and make a positive impact on the next generation, five Seahawks players spent their day off talking with young people at Echo Glen Children's Center.
“This was a great opportunity to take my time and use my platform to change the next generation,” said Seahawks Wide Receiver DK Metcalf when speaking to young people. “Nobody is forgotten, you’re not forgotten… and just know there is a second chance.”
Metcalf was joined by his teammates Noah Fant, AJ Barner, Tyler Mabry, Coby Bryant, plus Blitz as they surprised young people during an assembly at Echo Glen on Oct. 21.
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