OLYMPIA — Legislation that creates a resource for juveniles in rehabilitation facilities and their families to file a complaint was signed into law Monday.
Senate Bill 5032, sponsored by Sen. Claire Wilson (D-Auburn), expands the duties of the Office of the Family and Children’s Ombuds (OFCO) to include juvenile rehabilitation (JR) facilities operated by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).
Currently, there isn’t one place people can file a complaint about a JR facility, such as having a problem with a staffer or receiving inadequate care. SB 5032 amends this gap in services by giving OFCO the authority to manage, investigate and resolve complaints about JR facilities.
“It is extremely difficult for someone to file a complaint about JR facilities,” Wilson said. “This issue became clear recently when youth at Green Hill and their families tried to report concerns about the facility’s overcrowding. This bill helps ensure young people at facilities like Green Hill and their families have the tools to raise issues and get the support they need.”
Most state agencies with residential services have ombuds as a resource for people to file complaints when having issues with an agency. JR facilities do not. OFCO still receives complaints from those in JR facilities, but current law does not allow them to contemplate young adults aged 18-25 in DCYF’s care and custody. SB 5032 codifies OFCO’s ability to receive and resolve these types of complaints.
SB 5032 goes into effect in July.
