A legislative proviso requested that the Ruckelshaus Center assess and design a process for Task Force collaboration to recommend ways to modernize Washington jails, with an emphasis on exploring community and incarcerated needs, services and supports. The Center will provide facilitation of two dozen participating organizations, with significant input from those with lived and professional experience. The proviso language focuses on co-occurring behavioral health and other population changes, jail atmosphere, work force retention and systemic issues, including the efficacy of diversion and community re-entry programs. The Task Force will report their final findings and recommended options to the legislature by December 31, 2025.
Brief Initial Status Report (due June 30, 2024): Ruckelshaus Center Jail Modernization June 2024 Initial Status Report (pdf)
For more information, please contact Kevin Harris or Jed Chalupa.