New Children and Family Justice Center

Planning is underway for the new, voter-approved, $210 million Children and Family Justice Center. Preliminary work is beginning that will help us design and build a modern, efficient, and safe facility to support court and youth and family services. Completion of the new facility is expected in about six years. Download our latest project update (PDF).

Background

The King County Youth Services Center (YSC) collocates juvenile detention facilities, juvenile courts, and other related functions on approximately ten acres at 12th Avenue and Alder, on the southwestern edge of Seattle's Central District. Replacing the aging facilities at YSC has been the county's highest priority capital project since 2008. In studying a replacement, the county has spoken to stakeholders and residents in the area to learn about their priorities for redevelopment of the site. These priorities are:

• Make aesthetic improvements that will enhance the neighborhood and community
• Bring retail to 12th Avenue in a mixed-use development
• Explore adding housing on the property
• Enhance open space
• Improve access through and around the campus
• Support additional public transportation options

Project Scope and Funding

In August 2012, King County voters approved a nine-year property tax levy lid lift of seven cents per $1,000 of assessed value. The cost to the median homeowner in King County will be $25 per year, which will raise approximately $210 million for construction of the new Children and Family Justice Center (CFJC) at the current site. The project will replace the three buildings on site - the Alder Tower, Alder Wing, and Youth Detention Facility - with new, modern, efficient structures. The county's Facilities Management Division (FMD) will oversee design and construction of the new buildings.

Proposed Onsite Programs and Services for Families and Youth

Services to be provided onsite may include:

• Mentoring and support services
• Education and employment training opportunities for youth on probation
• Family Treatment Court that provides parents with substance abuse issues access to treatment services, parenting skills classes, and ongoing case management
• Parent for Parent program that provides families involved in dependency cases with support and education from other parents who have successfully navigated the system
• Partnership for Youth Justice that provides an alternative to detention for youth involved in minor or first-time offenses
• Alternatives to Juvenile Justice assists law enforcement officers in identifying appropriate community resources for youth and families in crisis
• Juvenile Justice 101 to orient families to court basics and available community resources through one-on-one support

Facility and Site Design Objectives

• Provide a unified family court with space for collocation of programs and services for families and youth
• Provide a safe and efficient detention center that has built-in flexibility to respond to changes in population
• Improve visibility, security, and safety
• Build an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable neighborhood
• Support neighborhood plans, policies, and aesthetics
• Enhance pedestrian mobility across the site and reconnect Squire Park with First Hill
• Create a street life that is diverse and thriving
• Provide usable, accessible community space

Project Facts and Figures

For more information on this project, contact the King County Facilities Management Division by calling 206-296-1100, or email ChildrenAndFamilyJustice@kingcounty.gov.