The juvie prison has been dismal for at least the last thirty years and needs replaced badly. While I very much agree that prison should be the last resort for children, we do now, and always will, have some children who need to be locked up. Do we continue to house them in a substandard facility? Do we throw them in with the adults at the King County Jail?
Also, the voters approved a bond issue to build a new jail. Those funds can't be redirected for a keep-kids-out-of-jail program. So we give everyone back their money and start over again?
Jails and prisons are a failed utopian experiment, originally advocated by Quakers. Punitive justice is not working for the victims, the perpetrators, or society. Alternatives are already being used in New Zealand and Baltimore. Google and to learn more.
Dit que le mieux est l'ennemi du bien.
Also, the voters approved a bond issue to build a new jail. Those funds can't be redirected for a keep-kids-out-of-jail program. So we give everyone back their money and start over again?