Christina Umali. Controversial King County program diverts young offenders from incarceration for certain crimes. King County Executive Constantine speaks to early success of evidence Joined by King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg, departmental program staff, and community-based organizations, Executive Constantine spoke about the countys commitment to connecting youth with services that meet their basic needs and improve community connection and safety. Jay Inslee for his expected signing. Finding alternatives for most of the young people in detention facing serious charges, and for those who have passed through the prosecutors office multiple times, will be a delicate process. Suggesting anything else is inaccurate.. DominiqueDavisis the founder and CEO of Community Passageways. We specifically work with people who are impacted by a 911 incident, an arrest, investigation or other encounter with law enforcement, courts, the criminal legal system, or longer term incarceration. Lily Anderson, Senior Social Worker, or theStep-UpTeam (206)-477-2071,lily.anderson@kingcounty.gov. Restorative Community Pathways (RCP) is the best way to reduce the juvenile crime rate in King County, said Jimmy Hung, Chief Deputy Prosecutor at King Countys Juvenile Division. They were consulted on both fronts prior to todays announcement. Executive Constantine highlights anti-racism and criminal legal system In January 2022, King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn proposed a pause to the countys Restorative Community Pathways program. King County resident Abby Brockman testified in favor of the program, saying that Dunns argument against the RCP seems to pit restorative justice and public safety against each other. Constantine is proposing cutting $4.6 million in funding that the Sheriffs Office gets from tax on retail marijuana sales. Program providers report 86 percent of youth participants are meeting their program goals and 94 percent are increasing connection with adults, family, and the community.. the King Countys Restorative Community Pathways (RCP) program, Contact King County Executive Dow Constantine, actual shootings preceded by telltale warning signs, Seattle Mayor plans to focus on root causes of homelessess, Dont be fooled by homeless spending proposals, We need a better approach to end homelessness, Criminal youth dictating how the program is run, Zoom meetings as punishment for organized theft and burglaries, Refusal by prosecutors to file charges even for serious offenses. Gun violence related to gang activity has actually remained relatively stable over the course of the pandemic, Hung said. Seattle, Washington, United States513 followers 500+ connections. The same could be said for vehicle theft and other types of non-violent crime that undermine public safety and quality of life. King County Executive Dow Constantine proposes new - The Seattle Times FIRS is a collaborative intervention and approach to address adolescent family violence in a timely, therapeutic, andtrauma-informed alternative to formal court involvement. hen King County launched Restorative Community Pathways two years ago, youth incarceration in King County had already reached record lows 43 juveniles per day, on average, in 2019. What's Next in King County's Path to Ending Youth Detention? Instead of court, some people who've committed a crime could. The number of jailed adults in the county dropped from about 1,900 before the coronavirus pandemic to about 1,300 now, according to the county. In 2016,Dominiqueestablished Community Passageways, after multiple gun related deaths and incidents on Rainier Avenue. This is a moment that cant be missed, Constantine said. Jeremy Crowe, Restorative Programs Supervisor, (206) 477-6528,Jeremy.crowe@kingcounty.govor FIRS Team, (206)263-9001. Restorative Community Pathways (RCP) is the best way to reduce the juvenile crime rate in King County, said Jimmy Hung, Chief Deputy Prosecutor at King County's Juvenile Division. Critically, RCP also provides equal resources and support to victims. Mediation allows people an opportunity to speak . King County group hopes to prove diversion program can be 'far more The FIRS team works with families to assess risk, identify needs, complete safety planning and refer for appropriateservices. Restorative Community Pathways is an evidence and community-based program to help change a youths behavior, reducing crime and creating a better future for themselves, their families, and our community. Though some amount of recidivism is unavoidable, the outcomes of the countys diversionary programs have shown some promising improvements. It has great artwork and lounge areas, but that doesnt make it therapeutic., Hung knows that the aesthetic changes to the detention center dont amount to a kind of restorative justice. The requirements of the agreement are defined by law and guided by principlesof Restorative Justice using a Positive Youth Development Model. During a Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee meeting on March 1, when the proposed motion was brought up, many community members testified against pausing the Restorative Community Pathways program and argued that the program was a necessity in the regions communities. But Goode and other advocates for diversionary programs also see the need for some means to separate young people from their community during a serious behavioral crisis. What measures are being put in place to ensure they wont harm someone? Even though he was involved in making quick money, he had a desire to give back through coaching and personal training. In his 20 years of experience as a prosecutor, Hung said his perspective on the prison system has changed. . This is a community-led initiative, supported by the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) that builds on King Countys current plans and investments to realize the vision of a community where every person can thrive, said Sheila Ater Capestany, Children Youth and Young Adults Division Director in DCHS. He knew felony diversion would be a foundational and life changing juncture for young people and he developed a four-prong approach prevention, diversion, incarceration (support) and re-entry. . Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus said she supports restorative justice and rehabilitation in her community, but expressed concerns that the RCP program would allow certain crimes such as specific assault charges and illegal possession of a firearm. Critically, RCP also provides equal resources and support to victims. Dominique often says it will take the community to heal the community--we are the ones we have been waiting for. King County Executive Dow Constantine on Wednesday proposed several new initiatives to cut funding from the county Sheriffs Office, shift resources away from the traditional criminal justice system toward community-based alternatives and move away from traditional fare enforcement on county buses. Restorative Programs focus on prevention and early intervention using three models: Family Intervention and Restorative Services (FIRS), Step Up, and Diversion. Our Team CHOOSE 180 Now, we look at how its actually run and our recommendations on how to change it. Under the existing system, 99.9% of the resources are directed toward the offender and next to no resources are given to the victim, Hung said. Step-Up: Program Overview - King County We should be allowed the same grace that the criminal legal system has been shown.. Of the 28 young people incarcerated in King County on March 4, nearly half were charged as adults for first-degree assault, attempted murder, or murder charges; they will move to adult detention centers after their 18th birthdays. Calls to reform the juvenile legal system have increased over the past decade, and RCP is a direct response to the need for systemic change, ensuring youth with lived experience and community members and organizations impacted by these issues are closely engaged with human service providers and government agencies to meet collective goals, including increased public safety and restorative programs. Data collected between November 1 of last year and August 18, 2022, shows that of the 145 youth participating in RCP in lieu of prosecution, only 12, or just over eight percent, have had new case referrals. Support: Support people already in the prison system. ChangeWA is a non-partisan 501(c)(4) organization focused on advancing common sense policies around smart growth, public safety, government accountability and good governance throughout Washington state. If a young person goes through programming and they end up slipping back into behavior thats challenging or problematic, then people look at the work and say, Oh, well, this program didnt work, he said. We look at the complexity, notice the tough spots, the complications and identify your optimal frugal need, so you and your family can get a leg up in the process. 3) Crisis and trauma have individual ripple effects; yet together by giving our ideas and resources we can do turnarounds and make waves of positive change. The FIRS Center is a safe, positive, andsupportive space. New youth program divides candidates for King County Prosecutor Goode also emphasized the importance of the physical space used to house children in need of long-term care and supervision. 4) Bring your own professional skills to the group whether you are a service provider, lawyer, mental health professional, emergency responder, parent, partner, teacher the list is endless. Earlier this week we introduced you to the King County's Restorative Community Pathways (RCP) program and how it evades the judiciary section of the criminal justice system. From his perspective, a restorative justice model that automatically divides violent offenders from their peers is counterproductive. While at the FIRS Center, youth engagein activities and discussions to empower, teach, and challenge them to take responsibility, make amends, restorefamily relationships, and promote positive youth development. While most cases referred to Restorative Community Pathways involve alleged misdemeanors, the program expands the number of eligible allegations to include more felonies than the previous. The priorities presented today will begin to address some of the injustices the Black community and other communities of color have experienced for decades in King County, Brown said. 80% of people imprisoned are nonviolent and could be contributing to their families and local economies. But there are other treatments that are available. We know that felonies carry with them collateral consequences that affect a persons ability to get a job, or get education, or to get housing all of those things really lead to de-stabilize that individual and their neighborhood and their family, King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg said. Dunns proposal was in response to concerns about the program brought up by South King County Mayors Jim Ferrell (Federal Way), Nancy Backus (Auburn), Dana Ralph (Kent) and Armondo Pavone (Renton). The same person who goes through the justice system as a victim one day goes through as a defendant the next. If the county wants to find alternatives to detention for the young people facing serious felony charges, she said, the solution may involve offering victim support services more widely. In particular, it is shockingly irresponsible to remove legal consequences for any firearm-related crime at a time when gun violence is surging to an all-time high. Step-Up accepts referrals from court staff, community providers and families and facilitates both individual and groupinterventions at the Patricia Clark Child and Family Justice Center and in the community. " [Restorative Community Pathways] was launched, again, without any notice to the cities in King County, but it also included being eligible offenses of bringing a gun to school, unlawful. Executive Constantine unveils 2021-2022 budget, calls for major The county still jails young people charged with more the most serious felonies including first-degree assault, robbery, and murder as a default. Jeremy Crowe, RestorativePrograms Supervisor, 206-477-6528,jeremy.crowe@kingcounty.gov. Diversion meetings happen in the community closest to where ayouth lives, with either a staff member or volunteers. Similarly, Jordan suggested that young people who are unable to have a positive response to out-patient restorative justice programs might need a long term in-patient care facility staffed by counselors who have experienced mental health crises, substance abuse, systemic racism, and housing insecurity. The new center was built next to the decaying, 69-year-old Youth Services Center. Dunn and the South King County mayors who called for the programs pause said that certain violent crimes, especially ones involving guns, shouldnt be eligible for diversion through RCP and said that violent crime is rising. Held alongside them were others held for more minor crimes, including one young person charged with misdemeanor assault and another charged with possession of a stolen vehicle. 2 dead, 1 critically wounded in shooting at Cal Anderson Park in Seattle, Think Seattle-area property taxes are rising fast? This is a new "restorative justice" program that provides alternatives to jail time. Its just sending the wrong message basically saying that one kid is better than the other, when theyre both redeemable.. Featured Image: A No New Youth Jail advocate protests outside the Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center. If you or someone you care about is being negatively impacted by public health and safety issues, we are here for you. Hung said data over many decades suggest how effective restorative justice can be in changing behaviors of juvenile offenders, especially when compared to the effects that incarceration has been shown to have on youth. What were not very good at is wrapping ourselves around a young person to help them make better decisions and to turn their lives around, Hung said. 1,706 Followers, 64 Following, 49 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Restorative Community Pathways (@restorative_community_pathways) Most of theseservices are offered without the filing of criminal charges or formal court processing. We separate the two to a fault, he said. Prosecutors responded that a youth who specifically threatens someone with a gun would not be eligible for the program, and that only two or three people have been referred on this charge so far. Early data suggests program can reduce recidivism in King County Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), to guide the County toward an end to youth detention, Patricia H Clark Children and Family Justice Center, Filipino Restaurant CheBogz Rallies Support for Beacon Hill Grand Opening, Weekend Reads | COVID Responses Across the U.S.: What Worked, What Didnt, and What Made a Difference, OPINION | Guns Have Become the Tools of Cowards, OPINION | Get in the Game for Girls Sports. Although Dunns motion was shot down five to one during a council meeting on March 1, 2022, Hung wants people to know the facts about the program and how his office is viewing it. From a legal perspective, this would be a felony robbery. At the end of public comment, the motion came up for a vote among the committee, during which it was rejected as every committee member other than Dunn voted against it. Bringing a gun to school and unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree is on that list, he said. The FIRS Center is staffed 24/7 by Pioneer Human Services. Instead, that money would be used to help people vacate old marijuana-related convictions and settle old fines and court fees. The truth is, criminal rehabilitation and homelessness outreach must adopt the same strategy if theyre to succeed. Dominique was a gifted football player, who had to make the decision between his dream to play professionally or survive, he chose the latter. By Henry Stewart-Wood September 15, 2022 4:55 pm A look inside the King County Juvenile Detention Center. Learn more about Restorative Community Pathways. Restorative Community Pathways Teach-in - Facebook Restorative Community Pathways offers diversion for youth involved in a range of felony crimes, including organized retail theft, assault, residential burglary, burglary, and unlawful display and possession of a firearm. Contact the entire King County Council and tell them to pass a resolution postponing the adult version of the Restorative Community Pathways program until it includes accountability measures and the judiciary! It could be a service center for homeless youth and their families, or a place where young people could have access to detox services. Crime-conscious mayors criticize King County's juvenile justice program Below is a snapshot of our effectiveness between 2017 and 2018. off prison time compared to initial charges. "This restorative community pathway builds up the young person, sees them as a possibility to be developed and not a problem to be solved, while simultaneously making sure that the harmed party . And thats where I think the community comes in and they do a much much better job than we could ever do.. The FIRS Center is a safe, positive, andsupportive space. The first program started in 2017 with a few youth and young adults, to date, Community Passageways serves over 500 young people a year with multiple programs, including school based, court advocacy, diversion, community support (emergency response), gang intervention, healing circles, youth advocacy, and family support. Kristin Elia, Executive Office, 206-477-8209, Main phone: 206-263-9600 5) Ally with us as a non-profit, share your point of views, your challenges and wisdom, so we can team up to bridge gaps and resolve conflicts. Restorative Justice Diversion - Impact Justice The goal of Step-Up is for youth to stop violence and abuse toward their family and develop. Our programs focus on personal healing, identity development, and leadership building. But even as the overall number decreased, our current juvenile legal system has a disproportionately harmful impact on youth of color, particularly black youth. I wont mince words about that., As King County continues to scale down its use of detention for children, the future of the new facility on Alder Street remains uncertain. He said the cuts equate to about 30 patrol deputies or an approximate 22% reduction in 911 service to unincorporated areas of King County.. Many youth avoid secure detention. Whether youre are in crisis now, or its after the fact, we have tools and people with experience to help you diagram the situation and build a roadmap. According to Nance, his department plans to convene a work group including judges, counselors, prosecutors, and young people themselves to outline the countys next steps, but the timeline for closing or transforming the jail on Alder Street is still unknown. Restorative Community Pathways Community Navigator. Teaching & Advancement Project Manager. Restorative Community Pathways. There must be a case number to track these offenses and the serious felony crimes should be removed from eligibility. While at the FIRS Center, youth engagein activities and discussions to empower, teach, and challenge them to take responsibility, make amends, restorefamily relationships, and promote positive youth development. Sentencing in suitcase murders | Podcast, King County Councilmember proposes regional ban on public drug use, King County Crisis Care Levy passing in first election results, Washingtons COVID-19 exposure notification app to end May 11, Firearms scheme leads to federal charges | King County Crime Dive. Izzy Eads. But theyre also overlooked as victims. Youthhave the opportunity tosign out-of-court agreements in lieu of criminal charging and formal court. It. , The FIRS Center is a unique respite facility within the Patricia Clark Children and Family Justice Center offering analternative to secure detention for youth referred for family violence. Community Passageways is driven by the belief that guidance and support are more effective in inspiring people to make positive choices, seeing their unlimited potential and envisioning a future where they can live their lives fully. King County has historically proven that diversion works to reduce juvenile crime, and thats exactly what RCP aims to do, said Dan Satterberg, King County Prosecuting Attorney. King County Council approves program to let community groups - KOMO Renton City Councilmembers Kim-Khanh Van and Carmen Rivera echoed this sentiment, expressing belief that the region needs holistic approaches to diverting youth from the court system in favor of a more rehabilitative approach. The great thing about Restorative Community Pathways is that the folks in the community who run this program treat the person who has been harmed and the person who has caused harm as equals and they provide support for both of them, Hung said. The rise in gun crime has been associated with adults who havent been involved with gun crime before, not kids, Hung said. Juvenile division prosecutor defends Restorative Community Pathways We are living with the side effects of inherited, complex and inhumane systems that need renovation. RCP at its core is a program that provides healing and restoration for youth. And racial disparities persist: nearly half of the children currently in detention are Black, and a quarter are Latinx; only a fifth are white. Restorative Community Pathways Community Navigator. King County's shadow juvenile crime system needs reform Community testifies in support of restorative justice for youth in Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. Youthhave the opportunity tosign out-of-court agreements in lieu of criminal charging and formal court. Brockman said she believes restorative justice and public safety can coexist and that restorative justice that works to rehabilitate rather than punish is a public safety strategy. Phone: 360-354-3653 Restorative Community Pathways is a community response to harm that focuses on healing and . Maintaining those numbers, Constantine said, will allow the county to close one floor (out of 12) of the jail in downtown Seattle, resulting in a $1.9 million annual savings. King County Executive Dow Constantine shared updates on the early success of Restorative Community Pathways (RCP), an evidence-based program aimed at reducing youth incarceration and racial disproportionality in the juvenile legal system. He received his PhD in the streets, from the University of Rainier and Henderson. These can include receiving services, doingcommunity service, or paying a victim to compensate for their financial loss. In study after study, children prosecuted in juvenile court achieve less success and do more harm than comparable youth who have been diverted out of the formal court system.