Since 2021, the King County Prosecutor’s Office has referred youth accused of misdemeanors and those facing nonviolent felony charges to a coalition of nonprofits. But now prosecutors say recidivism rates for the felony participants appears to be unacceptably high, and they will “pause” felony referrals until they get more data.
King County has spent $16 million over the last four years to fund the work of Restorative Community Pathways in an effort to divert youth away from courts and detention. But as KUOW has reported, King County officials have been criticized for lax oversight of the programs and funding involved, and RCP has struggled with capacity issues .
Critics call the prosecutor’s decision to limit use of the program long overdue…