LCYC’s Director of Policy & Systemic Advocacy, Roxana Gomez, pictured with Governor Bob Ferguson and community partners at the signing of HB 1391.
On Tuesday, April 22nd, Governor Bob Ferguson signed HB 1391 into law. This legislation will improve developmentally appropriate alternatives for youth outside the formal court process.
Over a year ago, juvenile justice advocates began convening to discuss what the future of diversion could look like. Collectively, we envisioned a future in which young people could access developmentally appropriate resources in their community--and stay in their community--instead of being sent away to local detention or Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR).
Last year, LCYC and Stand for Children WA met with over 15 juvenile court administrators across Washington to understand the challenges and opportunities to increase access to and quality of diversion programs statewide. We are grateful to the Washington Association of Juvenile Court Administrators for their support and collaboration on HB 1391.
We are also incredibly appreciative of our community partners, like Choose180 and Our Sisters’ House, who took the time to share the transformational work of their programs. Choose180, Our Sisters House and other community-based diversion programs offer healing instead of punishment and are crucial in our goal of meeting youth where they are.
HB 1391 is a critical first step to mitigate future harm and for setting up statewide infrastructure, so youth across Washington can have innovative and effective diversion opportunities, regardless of where they live.
Thank you, Rep. Julio Cortés and Sen. Claire Wilson, for sponsoring HB 1391 and its companion, SB 5426. We are grateful to have committed legislative champions.