The bill amends Washington's juvenile rehabilitation laws to improve the management and treatment of juveniles in rehabilitation institutions. It introduces the term "safe operational capacity," which defines the maximum number of individuals that can reside in these facilities while ensuring safe treatment. The legislation emphasizes the need for individualized assessments, including mental health and substance abuse evaluations, and outlines conditions for court-ordered residential treatment. Additionally, it mandates comprehensive diagnostic evaluations at intake and establishes guidelines to prevent housing youth at moderate or high risk of sexually aggressive behavior with those vulnerable to victimization.

Moreover, the bill sets forth new operational standards for juvenile rehabilitation facilities, requiring the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to develop rules regarding safe operational capacity, including considerations for room occupancy and facility resources. It also modifies regulations for transferring juvenile offenders to community facilities, necessitating risk assessments and minimum secure confinement periods. The bill clarifies the transfer process to the Department of Corrections, ensuring that individuals under 18 are housed separately from older individuals and mandates ongoing reviews for those remaining in custody beyond age 21. An annual report will be submitted to the legislature detailing transfer statistics and outcomes.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 13.40.020, 13.40.460, 72.05.420, 13.40.215, 72.01.410
Substitute Bill: 13.40.020, 13.40.460, 72.05.420, 13.40.215, 72.01.410