Rehabilitating youthful offenders
Those under the age of 18 who commit serious crimes can be tried as an adult and end up serving their sentence in an adult prison. Juveniles held in these prisons are often subjected to violence while incarcerated and face significant barriers upon release.
To aid the rehabilitation of these juvenile offenders, I’ve introduced HB 1743, which will allow youthful offenders to stay in a juvenile facility until the age of 25.
Learn more about Washington’s juvenile justice system and how my bill will help youthful offenders and keep our communities safer in this week’s GoodMinute.
A fair deal for foster kids
Every child deserves the opportunity to reach for their dreams. Children and young people in the foster care system need our extra support for them to succeed.
Foster kids are already having a tough time. The national statistics are sobering:
- only 58 percent graduate from high school by age 19
- by the age of 24, only half are employed
- fewer than two percent will earn a college degree by age 25
We in Washington are morally and legally responsible for taking care of foster kids, and we are not keeping up with our end of the bargain. That is why the Legislature is considering a number of reforms to help foster kids, including:
HB 1867 — This bill will extend housing and other foster care services to young people between the ages of 18 and 21, giving them a better chance at successfully launching into adulthood. Making sure foster kids have a safe place to live is crucial for their success in high school and college, and in life.
HB 1808 — Being able to drive to school or work is something that you and I take for granted. It’s not so easy for young people in foster care, who face obstacles to getting driver’s licenses such as taking driver’s ed classes and being able to pay for insurance themselves. This bill gives these young people help in those two areas so they can drive to school or work.
HB 1661 — Too many young people fall through the cracks of our system. This landmark piece of legislation will establish the new Department of Children, Youth and Families to focus on prevention and improve outcomes for young people and families in a coordinated fashion. A single agency will be better able to provide effective services at the right time, not always waiting until a crisis.
HB 1628/SB 5241 — This measure will help more young people in foster care graduate from high school. High school can be challenging for most young people, but students in foster care face additional barriers to getting a high school diploma. Getting a diploma opens up many opportunities for success.
All best wishes,
Roger Goodman
Representative, 45th District
Washington State Legislature