Latest data shows JR frontline staff turnover rate is now down to 22.8%.
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) submitted its formal response to the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) report on Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR) Programs. The response highlights the work that is already underway to address the report’s recommendations and the critical next steps that require action by both the legislature and DCYF.
“We cannot do this alone. Addressing overcrowding and increasing rehabilitation require partnership,” said DCYF Secretary Tana Senn. “We did not wait to act until the report was finalized. However, there are things that can only be solved through legislative intervention.”
The bulk of the information collected for this audit was from 2024 and 2025, the height of JR overcrowding. Over the past 12 months, DCYF has:
- Addressed overcrowding through a multi-pronged approach, thanks to funding from the legislature, which allowed for the opening of Harbor Heights, the expansion of Community Transition Services, and security enhancements.
- Implemented a new process for handling rule violations by residents in a way that is fair, clear, and consistent.
- Focused on expanding employee training, providing policy and procedure clarity, and taken steps to remove counselors from security duties to focus on rehabilitation.
- Begun working with external consultants to identify options to expand capacity as directed by the legislature.
- Increased recreation, educational, and vocational programming for all young people. This includes now providing a college option for women at Echo Glen.
- Initiated a comprehensive assessment improvement strategy that builds on DCYF’s existing assessment processes. This will continue to ensure JR programs meet the needs of young people and strengthens assessment governance, tool validation, reliability, and quality assurance.
These actions have resulted in a decrease in overcrowding and increased staff retention:
- On Aug. 13, the population at Green Hill School sat at 180. This lower population at Green Hill has a positive impact on programming, safety, and staff retention.
- Staff turnover among front line staff is now down to 22.8% from the 47% identified in the JLARC report, according to the most up-to-date human resource data (Source: January 2025-June 2026).
Read More: DCYF Addresses JLARC report
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Q1 2026 data showed a 63% decrease from the year prior.
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has released its latest critical incident data, which shows a continued decline in the number of child fatalities and near fatalities compared to the previous year.
Quarter 2 (April-June 2026) Critical Incidents:
- 6 Fatalities
- 5 Near fatalities
The 11 critical incidents in Quarter 2 (Q2) 2026 is a 21% decrease from the 14 in Q2 2025.
This quarter’s DCYF-reviewable critical incidents included cases that involved opioid use, safe sleep, and drowning. The number of cases that involved fentanyl decreased from 6 in Q2 2025 to 4 in Q2 2026. This decrease aligns with current DOH data that shows a decrease in opioid-related overdoses over the last several quarters.
DCYF is required by law to review child fatalities and near fatalities that involved maltreatment and had child welfare involvement in the previous 12 months.
Q1 2026 data showed a 63% decrease from the year prior. So far, 2026 has seen 18 critical incidents. There was a total of 57 critical incidents in 2025.
To address the increase in critical incidents that occurred in 2025, DCYF made several practice and services updates. Of note, starting in June 2025, child welfare staff are required to conduct safe child consults for all children 3 and under when High Potency Synthetic Opioids (HPSO) are involved before a case can be closed. From June – December 2025, 23,360 Safe Child Consults were completed, 39% of those involved HPSOs.
The passage of Senate Bill 6109 in 2023, which directed courts to “give great weight to the lethality of high-potency synthetic opioids” when determining whether removals are necessary may also be contributing to the decrease.
To learn more about DCYF-reviewable critical incidents, visit Child Welfare | Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
Link to Article: Latest Data Shows Critical Incidents Continue to Decline
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Experiencing things is one of the best ways to learn. That is just what Justice Salvador Mungia and I did as we spent the day in dependency court in Pierce County.
Speaking with the judicial officers, hearing AAGs and social workers working together, getting a sense for the role of GALs and CASAs, and witnessing families at their best and most challenging times was so informative. It will serve us well as we co-chair the Supreme Court Commission on Foster Care.
It takes many parties to make the child welfare system work. Thanks to everyone involved working sure our young children grow up safe and surrounded by people who care deeply about them. |
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I recently attended the The Mockingbird Society's youth leadership summit. Former foster and homeless youth shared barriers they've faced and some desired solutions. I also attended the Washington State Office of Public Defense's 30th anniversary celebration.
Listening to client voice makes our work more responsive and improves outcomes for youth and families.
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 The Indigenous Children, Youth & Families Conference takes place Nov 4 and 5. The theme is The Path Forward: Connection, Healing, and Resilience.
I would like to introduce you to some of DCYF's newest leader:
Video Link: Secretary Senn Shadows a Community Facility
Here are some links to some of our newest publications, helpful toolkits, and frequently requested information:
If you would like any of this content in an alternative language, please email communications@dcyf.wa.gov.
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