King County decides on future of youth prison in light of rising crime and staffing problems

KING COUNTY, Washington — The future of King County's juvenile detention center hinges on a crucial vote scheduled for Tuesday afternoon that could have political implications for several county council members.

The King County Council is expected to take up a motion sponsored by Councilmember Reagan Dunn to continue operations of the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center (CCFJC).

In April, the King County Law and Justice Committee received the final report, “Care and Closure,” which shows that the county is still focused on transitioning to alternative forms of insecure confinement for juveniles who have committed violent and serious crimes.

SEE ALSO | King County juvenile detention center closure delayed until 2028 due to rising juvenile crime rates

However, this comes at a time when violent crimes against youth are rising sharply. In 2023, crimes such as murder, assault, rape, shootings and burglaries overall saw a 57% increase from the previous year. Compared to 2021, they increased by 146%.

Now, uncertainty about the future of the CCFJC is impacting morale, leading to staff shortages, higher overtime costs, and a reduction in the range of services available to the youth housed.

In Tuesday's vote, council members must decide whether to keep the youth prison open or to implement a policy that would house juvenile offenders in unsecured convalescent homes throughout King County. What that would look like in detail remains vague.

SEE ALSO | Seattle police tell officers they can speak to underage witnesses despite previous concerns

Although King County Executive Dow Constantine originally proposed closing the CCFJC in 2025, the new schedule was pushed back to 2028.

This story is evolving and will be updated after the King County Council votes on the motion.