Every July, Washington state honors the hard work of staff, volunteers, and partners that make a positive impact on the young people involved in juvenile rehabilitation (JR).
Gov. Bob Ferguson proclaimed July as Juvenile Rehabilitation Appreciation Month in Washington to acknowledge the hard work that happens all year long to make a difference for young people.
Their daily commitment to rehabilitation has resulted in:
- 175 young people at juvenile rehabilitation facilities across the state obtained high school diplomas, college degrees, and certificates this school year.
- 86 Young people in JR completing vocational and Job-readiness programs
- Young people becoming eligible for expanded health care coverage
- Young people having access to mental health, behavioral health, and substance use services
- Young people participating in programs and events such as a powwow, dog training, and resources fairs.
- Young people sharing their voice through music videos, podcasts, and poems.
- Efforts to engage with JR families to keep them connected to program updates including a family newsletter.
DCYF will be sharing videos and links all month long to highlight different parts of juvenile rehabilitation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Nextdoor.
There are more than 600 young people in Washington's Juvenile Rehabilitation system. Washington state has three secure facilities, eight community facilities, community-based supports, and parole across the state. The goal of JR is to deliver treatment, provide resources, and develop skills so young people can plan for their future and reenter their communities better off than when they entered.
