Washington state to open new juvenile rehab facility in Aberdeen to address overcrowding at Green Hill school [Video]

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state will move ahead with plans to open a new juvenile rehabilitation facility in Aberdeen to help ease overcrowding at Green Hill School in Chehalis, Governor Jay Inslee announced at a press conference on Monday.

The state’s juvenile rehabilitation system has been under increasing strain in 2024, driven by overcrowding and staffing challenges, particularly at Green Hill School. According to a press release from the governor’s office, the number of young people at the facility has increased by 60% since 2023, further complicating issues related to safety and the quality of services for incarcerated youth.

During the press conference, Inslee and leaders from the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) presented a proposal to reduce the pressure on Green Hill, which is currently housing more than 220 young men which is well beyond its capacity of 180. Overcrowding has been an issue since spring 2024, with the population now exceeding 230.

DCYF …