The bill, known as the Juvenile Rehabilitation Overcrowding Relief Act (J-RORA), aims to improve the management and rehabilitation of youth in juvenile rehabilitation institutions in Washington State. It addresses the critical issue of overcrowding, which negatively impacts rehabilitation efforts, by introducing new definitions and provisions for community-based rehabilitation and supervision. Key amendments include the establishment of a formal inmate classification system, comprehensive diagnostic evaluations at intake, and the introduction of the term "rated bed capacity," which defines the maximum number of individuals that should reside in these institutions to ensure effective treatment. The bill also clarifies definitions related to community services and establishes criteria for the placement and classification of juvenile offenders to enhance rehabilitation outcomes.

Additionally, the bill mandates the development of uniform policies for custodial assaults, the implementation of substance abuse treatment and vocational education programs, and the introduction of character-building educational programs. It requires the Department to monitor institutional populations and take action when they exceed 90% of rated bed capacity, including transferring individuals to community transition services. The legislation also outlines specific criteria for rated bed capacity, including single occupancy rooms and adequate educational spaces, and allows for the transfer of individuals to work release programs under certain conditions. Furthermore, it establishes new protocols for managing individuals over 21, ensuring they are informed about transfer options to the Department of Corrections (DOC) while retaining the discretion of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) over treatment and housing decisions.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 72.01.410, 13.40.280
Substitute Bill: 13.40.020, 13.40.460, 72.65.200, 13.40.280, 13.40.215, 72.01.410
Second Substitute: 13.40.020, 13.40.460, 72.65.200, 13.40.280, 13.40.215, 72.01.410
Engrossed Second Substitute: 13.40.020, 13.40.460, 72.65.200, 13.40.280, 13.40.215, 72.01.410