The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) finalizes a more comprehensive review process for transitioning eligible young individuals from secure residential facilities to community programs.
Since January 2024, DCYF has conducted weekly multi-disciplinary committee meetings to assess placements for young people in community facilities.
The committee comprises a diverse team of professionals, including community and parole program administrators, transition specialists, associate superintendents, community facility administrators, and experts in behavioral and mental health, education, and medical care. Their evaluations focus on several key areas, including community risk and safety, the young person’s participation and progress in treatment, and behavioral assessments.
“The review process prioritizes the young person’s readiness by assessing their engagement with treatment goals, while also balancing public safety,” explained DCYF Assistant Secretary of Juvenile Rehabilitation, Felice Upton. “This process is designed to be clear and transparent for residents, their families, staff, and the broader community.”
With the creation of the Integrated Developmental Evaluation and Assessment (IDEA) and legislation required a six-month period for testing, DCYF launched Community Transition Services (CTS) as an option to better support young people as they reenter their communities in May 2024. CTS offers tailored support, including housing assistance, educational connections, vocational resources, mental health or substance use treatment referrals, family counseling, and other community-based services.
Establishing the multi-disciplinary committee was a strategic move to prevent young people from returning to institutions. By ensuring that only those ready are transitioned, DCYF saw a reduced removal rate, with fewer young people returning to secure facilities after their transfer.
“We are deeply committed to community safety, which is integral to our mission. We continually seek to improve our practices in response to the evolving needs of our population,” Upton added. “We are dedicated to ensuring procedural justice, reducing bias, and providing clear documentation. It is crucial for individuals and families to understand the criteria and rationale for transitions to CTS or community facilities.”
Through this updated process, DCYF aims to foster a more supportive and effective pathway for young individuals transitioning to community life, ultimately contributing to their long-term success.