Juv Justice

Addressing the health needs of youth who are incarcerated in Washington can improve health and well-being, as well as prevent future contact with the criminal legal system.

Juvenile Justice in Washington State

In Washington State, efforts exist to promote a public health approach to decrease the number of young people who are involved in the criminal legal system and to eliminate juvenile detention. King County’s strategic plan includes a ‘Road Map to Zero Youth Detention’ to guide investments and policies that support families and prevent youth involvement in the legal system. However, clinic-level service readiness and poor integration of community-based healthcare and social services into care at the Juvenile Detention Center clinic create barriers to adequately addressing the health needs of young people who are currently detained in King County.

Harnessing the knowledge and expertise of frontline health workers is essential to ensure the best possible health outcomes for youth who have been incarcerated in King County and throughout Washington. Mapping the subsequent healthcare steps young people take to address their health needs, as well as primary care, while they are detained are essential to identify gaps and potential opportunities to improve sustained care and treatment during and post-incarceration.