The proposed bill aims to improve developmentally appropriate alternatives for youth in Washington State by enhancing diversion programs that keep them out of the formal court system. It highlights the positive outcomes of such diversion, including reduced recidivism and improved educational and economic prospects. Key amendments include new definitions and provisions that support community-based rehabilitation and restorative justice practices. Notably, the bill ensures that a juvenile's parent or guardian cannot decline to enter into a diversion agreement on their behalf, thereby facilitating youth engagement in these programs. It also clarifies the conditions of diversion agreements, including requirements for community restitution and counseling, and updates legal terminology to align with the bill's objectives.

Additionally, the bill introduces grant programs to support community initiatives aimed at diverting youth from the juvenile justice system, with a focus on addressing racial and ethnic disparities. It mandates the development of standardized definitions and data collection methods for diversion programs, ensuring accurate reporting disaggregated by demographics. Courts are required to provide detailed reporting on juvenile detention and diversion events, including reasons for detention and outcomes of diversion agreements. The administrative office of the courts will deliver annual reports to the legislature, detailing youth detention demographics and formal diversion agreement data, which will aid in analyzing juvenile justice trends in Washington.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 13.40.020, 13.40.080, 13.06.010, 13.06.030, 13.06.040, 2.56.032
Substitute Bill: 13.40.020, 13.40.080, 13.06.010, 13.06.030, 13.06.040, 2.56.032