I am writing to urge you to support SB 5290, which would close the loophole in Washington law that allows for hundreds of children to be jailed every year, even though they haven’t committed a crime. Please work to ensure SB 5290 goes to the floor for a vote and passes the Senate.
Washington has a responsibility to support the success of its youth. When a young person runs away from home or skips school, they need extra support. Unfortunately, Washington is among a minority of states that jail kids who commit these “status offenses,” using loopholes in the federal law that prohibits the practice. These kids have not committed a crime and may be struggling with safety, poverty, homelessness, health issues, and unmet special educational needs. Furthermore, youth of color and low-income youth are disproportionately jailed for status offenses. This bill ends the use of these loopholes in Washington, which will promote the use of alternatives that keep kids in school and in stable, caring living conditions.
Jailing kids harms them and does not address the root causes of status offenses. Incarceration is harmful to young people, especially young people who have been traumatized and are at increased risk of suicide and self-harm in jail. Bringing status offenders into jail may actually make it more likely they will engage in criminal behavior, and it makes it more likely kids will drop out of school and end up in the adult criminal justice system.
Over 25 other states have chosen to use community-based services and programs rather than jail to address status offenses. Some of these programs are already being used in Washington counties and should be expanded.
Washington shouldn’t be locking kids up when they need help. Pass SB 5290 and end this harmful practice, so our state can invest in real solutions to support all young people.
