DCYF Juvenile Rehabilitation 2025 Newsletter

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A Message From Juvenile Rehabilitation

Juvenile Rehabilitation Fall Newsletter 2025

In This Issue:

 Announcements, Resources, and News 

Our Echo Glen staff, volunteers work hard to serve young people

DCYF Hires Assistant Secretary of JR, Green Hill School Superintendent

Sign Up for the New JR Family Newsletter and Alerts


Young Men at Green Hill School Honor Veterans

Inspired by veterans, a group of young men at Green Hill School planned a concert for staff and family members that served. 

“Honoring our vets in this day and age isn’t what it used to be, and they only have one day of appreciation. But we want to make this day count,” said one young man.

Starting in October, young men began talking with staff about ways to honor veterans. They asked for a chance to plan something. 

“These young men are so talented, and I am so proud that they had this opportunity,” said Green Hill Superintendent Harold Wright, Jr. “We must create more opportunities for the young people at GHS to showcase their talents. To share with our community the amazing skills that these young men possess, when they are given the chance.”

Read Full Article.


Podcast Provides Voice to Young People at Green Hill, Echo Glen

A podcast series focused on exploring juvenile rehabilitation (JR) through the perspective of young people and staff at Green Hill School and Echo Glen Children’s Center premiered a new season Oct. 1.

"Dignity: A Podcast on WA Juvenile Rehabilitation” covers topics such as the impacts of mentorship, how spirituality is a source of strength, how young people maintain cultural connections, and their favorite programs. The podcast was produced by Bobby Williams, executive director of The Bridge Music Project, which hosts song writing workshops to help young people in JR share their stories through music. 

The podcast produced by Bobby Williams Creative in partnership with The Bridge Music Project and the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), includes six new episodes covering a large range of topics from the perspective of the young people served at JR facilities.

“We take an inside look at juvenile rehabilitation through the voices of young people living it and the adults who show up every day to make a difference,” said Williams. “The episodes open a window into youth's lives and show who they are as individuals.” 

You can listen to the new season on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or https://dignitypodcast.podbean.com/. 

To learn more about The Bridge Music Project, visit https://www.bridgemusicproject.org.


Young People at Echo Glen Help Train Rescue Dogs

Dog

For the last 25 years, young people at Echo Glen have found that both old dogs and puppies can learn new tricks.  

Through the Canine Connection Program at Echo Glen, young people are matched with dogs in need of a home.  The young people train and prepare the dogs for adoption and in return the young people are taught valuable skills around dealing with emotions.   

This year, the program is celebrating 25 years and the more than 1,600  dogs that have since been rescued and adopted, including 18 service dogs. 

“I learned a lot of patience while working with dogs. They teach you patience, strength, and how to communicate,” said one young person. “I was angry I was here but one day I was like ‘if I fight then I can’t walk my dog and then who will?” 

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Young People at Green Hill Attend Community Programs Resource Fair

Young people resource fair booth talking with staff

Young people at Green Hill learned about community and transition programs during a resource fair that emphasized how important in-person interactions can be to a successful transition back into their communities.

“This fair was different, and it is inspiring to see people in this space and their commitment to support us,” said one young person.  

The fair showcased programs across juvenile rehabilitation (JR) including:

  • Parole Aftercare
  • Community Transition Services (CTS)
  • Community Assisted Reentry (CAR)
  • Community Facilities
  • Community Partners

Young people were able to explore the fair and meet staff from across that state.  

“Today I learned that I’m eligible for CTS,” said one young person. “So, once I finish my bachelor’s here at Green Hill that will be my next step.”  

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