On Tuesday, November 10th, Center for Children & Youth Justice CEO, Rachel Sottile, and Senior Director of Public Policy, Nicholas Oakley, were invited to provide testimony at the Washington State Supreme Court that will have a lasting positive impact on young people in Washington state.
As proponents of data-driven solutions to creating better systems for young people, CCYJ understands that this change will create better opportunities for young people, especially those exiting the child welfare system or at risk of homelessness.
As Ms. Sottile said her testimony, “Young people leaving foster care and juvenile rehabilitation are more likely to end up in the criminal legal system, and they are often the least able to pay even a small monetary cash bail amount. A $200 bail cap is consistent with the intended goals of enhancing public safety while preserving the stability of young defendants and their families. By reducing the collateral harms associated with pretrial detention, it may be the determining factor in a young person’s ability to achieve long-term stability and positive outcomes.”
To learn more about this proposed rule change and to watch the full hearing, click here: Washington State Supreme Court Bail Rule Hearing – TVW
