Following joint discussions around safety and security challenges resulting from overcrowding at Green Hill School, Gov. Jay Inslee directed the Department of Corrections (DOC) to send staff to Green Hill School to augment staffing levels.
“We cannot focus on rehabilitation without first ensuring safety,” said DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter. “Additional staffing and collaboration benefit young people and staff, by supporting our ongoing security efforts and helping us resume programs and treatment for young people at GHS.”
Under RCW 72.01.010, DOC staff will work alongside JR staff onsite to address safety concerns on campus that continue to exist.
“We know that a safe environment goes hand-in-hand with a rehabilitative one,” said DOC Secretary Cheryl Strange. “The governor has requested that we partner with DCYF to support their efforts at Green Hill, and we are happy to provide staff and resources to do just that.”
DOC currently has 10 employees at Green Hill and will be onsite as needed or when called to support safe operations on the campus.