This project is a partnership between AYDEPI and DCHS.

All young people in King County deserve to thrive and reach their full potential. Yet far too many young people face a criminal legal system that is harmful, punitive, and overwhelmingly impacts Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. King County is working to reduce harm, support young people in our communities, and ensure safe communities. In July 2020, King County Executive Dow Constantine made a commitment to close the youth detention center at the Children and Family Justice Center (CFJC) and create a holistic continuum of community-based alternatives to address the complex needs and risk levels of young people who would otherwise be in detention. DCHS is leading the strategic planning process to identify community-based alternatives to secure youth detention that supports the health and well-being of young people and the safety of communities. Through this process, DCHS will create a roadmap to close the secure youth detention center and repurpose the space to meet community needs.