LEWIS COUNTY, Wash. — Gov. Jay Inslee’s proposal to move offenders convicted of crimes as juveniles into a former adult prison facility is raising questions and concerns.
Inslee said on Monday that due to juveniles committing “boatloads of crime,” the state needs to transfer offenders out of Green Hill School and Echo Glen Children’s Center.
He said with legislative approval, and state funding, an unused facility at the adult Stafford Creek Corrections Center can house up to 48 offenders from Green Hill.
Inslee, a Democrat, is leaving office in January 2025. His successor, Bob Ferguson, has not publicly said what he thinks of the idea.
The proposal comes amid escalating problems at juvenile justice facilities, which have become increasingly violent since populations grew past levels considered safe in 2023.
Staff struggles to maintain rehabilitation programs due to overcrowding, said Inslee.
This summer, the state attempted to transfer 43 juvenile offenders to adult prisons, but a judge ruled the move illegal and ordered their return.
Sarah Nagy, the lawyer representing those offenders, said she is closely monitoring the potential legislative action.
Nagy said state law requires those convicted of crimes as juveniles to serve their sentences, up until the age of 25, at juvenile facilities.
"If we think our clients' rights are being violated, we will take action," said Nagy.
Inslee said the transferred offenders would be under the supervision and care of staff from the Department of Children, Youth and Family services, not Department of Corrections workers.
Inslee's plan would house young men over 18 in the adult prison facility, and only those who volunteered to be transferred.
The governor said the new location would provide education opportunities and a green space for offenders.
Republican State Senator John Braun expressed cautious support while criticizing the timing.
He said he asked Inslee for relief in 2023.
"It's too little too late for a lot of folks who have suffered the consequences of a poorly thought out policy," Braun said, also questioning how much the proposal would cost.