Summary

Proposed August ballot measure to replace the dilapidated Youth Services Center heads to full Council for final consideration

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The Metropolitan King County Council's Budget and Fiscal Management Committee gave a "do-pass" recommendation today to a measure that would ask voters to fund construction of a new Children and Family Justice Center to replace the County's dilapidated Youth Services Center. The legislation now goes to the full Council for final consideration.

"The current Youth Service Center has been compared to Harborview's ER on a Saturday night - loud and chaotic, not a place hospitable to justice. King County's families in crisis deserve a facility that can support them on their path toward a healthy family life," said Councilmember Joe McDermott, Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee. "It is my hope that this measure is approved, so we can provide a true justice center for our families and children."

"These facilities handle some of our most important and sensitive cases involving families and children," said Councilmember Ferguson, prime sponsor of the legislation. "King County has a responsibility to serve their justice needs and no one disputes that these facilities are dilapidated. They must be replaced."

The proposed legislation places a measure on the August primary ballot for approval of a nine-year property tax levy lid lift of seven cents per $1,000 of assessed value. If approved by the voters, the levy will generate approximately $200 million for construction of a new Children and Family Justice Center. The annual cost to the median homeowner in King County would be less than $25.

"We all want a better future for our children, and King County has a responsibility to provide a safe, healthy and productive environment for youth in our custody and care," said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, Chair of the Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee. "Families in turmoil deserve an atmosphere that is safe, that respects their privacy and that supports their efforts to recover. After reviewing many options, I think this plan for the Family Justice Center achieves operational efficiencies, makes the best use of this site and meets our responsibilities to the public."

"Building a new Children and Family Justice Center will improve staff safety and allow us to provide vital services needed by youth and families in crisis," said Council Chair Gossett. "In addition, we are committed to designing a facility that will enhance the surrounding community, including exploring opportunities for open space, housing, and commercial space."

The proposed new Children and Family Justice Center would replace the decaying Youth Services Center. Located at 12th Avenue and East Alder Street, the Center is the County's central facility for cases involving children--juvenile offender cases, child abandonment, abuse and neglect cases and cases involving runaways.

"A new Children and Family Justice Center is important for our communities and King County. The result will be improved access to critical services for the families in our juvenile justice system," said Judge Richard McDermott, Presiding Judge of King County Superior Court.

Superior Court Judge Patricia Clark explained to the Committee how the current facilities' inadequacies impacts King County's children and families. King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg also testified in support. They were joined by representatives from the Sheriff's office, public defense, and the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention.

Replacement of the Youth Services Center has been King County's highest-priority capital project since 2008. Most of the complex's major systems have decayed well beyond the end of their useful life. The electrical, heating, and cooling systems are deemed beyond repair. The facility is plagued by plumbing problems - sewer gasses permeate the lower levels and brown water comes out of the cold water line.

"With brown water, uncomfortable temperatures, and no space for families to meet privately with attorneys, the current deteriorating state of the county juvenile justice buildings is a travesty to the children and families who receive services there," said Councilmember Larry Phillips. "Providing, safe, efficient and effective regional justice facilities for the children and families of King County must be a priority, and one we see through to completion."

The current Youth Services Center is not designed to address the safety concerns that arise from emotional cases involving families and children--cases which pose the greatest threat of violence among all types of court cases. Courtrooms and waiting areas are too small and overcrowded, creating a noisy, hectic and confusing environment. With no private meeting rooms, families must meet with their attorneys and case workers in the lobby and public hallways to discuss the most sensitive of private matters.

To place the measure on the August primary ballot, the Council must act by the end of April.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council's LEGISEARCH system at https://mkcclegisearch.kingcounty.gov and type in 2012-0094

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