States for Change

Washington

Few states can match Washington in terms of systematic commitment to improving juvenile justice. The state has been recognized as a pioneer in implementing research-based programs in juvenile justice, building in quality assurance mechanisms, evaluating outcomes to determine the most cost-effective ways to reduce delinquency and promote positive youth development, and educating policymakers and the public regarding the results. It has been the site of promising experiments in combating disproportionate minority contact, overcoming barriers to interagency information-sharing, and integrating juvenile justice, child welfare, and mental health services as well. This background, and the long record of high-level support for juvenile justice improvement efforts in Washington, bode well for the Models for Change initiative there.

Models for Change partners and stakeholders are still in the process of identifying priority areas for system improvement efforts in Washington. But the work will build on the progress the state has made in the areas described above.

Models for Change efforts in Washington are being coordinated by the Seattle-based Center for Children and Youth Justice.

For a detailed overview of the work plan for the Washington Models for Change initiative, click here.  For a detailed system profile of juvenile justice in Washington, click here.

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