Seattle Resolves to End Juvenile Detention

By Published on September 24, 2015

The passage of a surprise resolution on rent control may have stole the headlines following Monday’s City Council meeting, but the passage of another resolution concerning juvenile detention was no less deserving.

City Council members unanimously endorsed a call to cease the practice of youth detention in Seattle — eventually. Sponsored by Council member Mike O’Brien, the resolution was introduced as a result of the debate over replacing the crumbling Youth Detention Center at 12th and Alder.

The resolution also directs the City’s Criminal Justice Equity Team to develop a plan by next September to identify steps the City can take towards ending youth detention.

Resolutions are not binding law, they only state the intent or opinion of the Council. O’Brien acknowledged Monday that the passing it would be meaningless without actually working to reduce youth detention rates, particularly for children of color.

“With the help of local social justice and anti-racist groups — and the start of our City’s budget discussions now underway — Seattle can now advance a comprehensive strategy aimed at keeping kids out of jail,” O’Brien said.

 

Read the article “Seattle Resolves to End Juvenile Detention” on capitolhillseattle.com.

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