King County Council Votes 8-0 to Keep Juvenile Jail

The King County Council voted 8-0 to keep the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center open, despite contentious public debate. The decision followed over two hours of public comments, reflecting deep divides over juvenile detention. Proponents argue the facility is necessary for housing violent youth offenders amid rising juvenile crime rates, with felony filings up 57% from 2022. Opponents contend that detention perpetuates cycles of harm and advocate for funding restorative justice initiatives. Councilmember Reagan Dunn emphasized the need for a secure facility while supporting alternatives for lesser offenses. The motion, though nonbinding, aims to balance public safety with humane treatment and rehabilitation of youth offenders.