County Executive Constantine directs Public Health to oversee King County juvenile detention reorganization

In an Executive Order signed Thursday, King County Executive Dow Constantine directed Public Health – Seattle and King County and other county departments to provide a plan and timeline to restructure juvenile detention.

The reorganization proposal will be created with input from the Juvenile Justice Equity Steering Committee, the Children and Youth Advisory Board, criminal justice systems partners, and other community stakeholders. It will also identify potential labor impacts and other considerations.

"By adopting a public health approach, we limit the traumatization of youth in detention, and ensure families have access to supports and services in the community," said Executive Constantine. 

"Our Juvenile Detention Officers have embraced restorative justice, and they understand the challenges of adolescence. This Executive Order directs a comprehensive process with input from our officers and others to make a successful transition to Public Health, so that we can fully take advantage of all available resources and strategies to make a difference in the lives of our young people."