LETTER: Grant County must address its lack of juvenile detention facilities
Grant County is currently failing to meet its legal and moral obligations to provide a juvenile detention facility. This deficiency not only violates Washington state law but also fails to address the growing mental health crisis among our youth.
Under RCW 13.16.030, counties are required to construct, acquire and maintain juvenile detention facilities, separate from adult facilities, for dependent, wayward and delinquent children. For counties with populations exceeding 50,000, RCW 13.04.135 further mandates the establishment of these facilities.
Courts have repeatedly affirmed this duty. In Tommy P. v. Board of County Commissioners of Spokane County (1982), the Washington Supreme Court held that counties have a “clear statutory duty” to maintain juvenile detention facilities and allocate appropriate funding. Additionally, City of East Wenatchee v. Douglas County (2010) reinforced that counties must provide designated juvenile facilities to comply with state law.
Yet Grant County remains noncompliant, leaving youth without adequate facilities and services. This is not only a legal failure but a failure to meet the rehabilitative and mental health needs of vulnerable children.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Olmsted v. L.C. (1999) requires services for individuals with disabilities, including mental health needs, to be provided in the “most integrated setting appropriate.” A juvenile detention facility could offer essential mental health support to help at-risk youth recover and reintegrate into society.
Fortunately, Grant County has an opportunity to act. The currently vacant work release building could be repurposed into a compliant juvenile detention facility. This solution would address both the county’s legal obligations and the critical need for integrated mental health services.
It’s time for our community to demand action. Together, we can ensure Grant County’s children receive the care, safety and support they deserve.
Megan Diamond
Ephrata