(The Center Square) – Spokane and other counties statewide are teaming up to sue the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families for failing to house juvenile offenders amid capacity shortages.
The Board of County Commissioners agreed on Monday to enter into a lawsuit against DCFY with the Washington State Association of Counties. Earlier this month, DCFY suspended new intakes for the state’s two juvenile rehabilitation facilities, forcing the counties to fill the role.
“That suspension was done in response to overcrowding at those facilities,” said Chris Anderson, Spokane County’s chief civil attorney. “It was done unilaterally without any notice to the counties.”
Spokane is now among Washington’s 38 other counties planning to take legal action against the state. Anderson said that WSAC is recommending they file for declaratory injunctive relief, which could direct DCYF to comply with its statutory duties in housing juvenile offenders.
While Spokane County is home to two juvenile detention facilities, those are typically reserved for less egregious offenses.