More Than Their Crimes: Reforming Juvenile Justice in Washington State

Incarcerated youth at the Green Hill School detention facility in Chehalis, WA discuss their personal paths to rehabilitation as they travel to the state capital for the signing of SB 6160, a juvenile justice reform bill they helped pass into law. Comprehension Questions: What is the difference between adult prison and the juvenile system? What aspects of the Green Hill program are these men highlighting? What is Capitol Classroom? How did it help these young men? What did they learn from Capitol Classroom? Why was going to the Capitol an important step for the Capitol Classroom students? Why did they fight for SB 6160, which instituted JR to 25? Why is it important? Why are your personal voices so important? What did Governor Jay Inslee say about the importance of the bill? 18:02

Incarcerated youth at the Green Hill School detention facility in Chehalis, WA discuss their personal paths to rehabilitation as they travel to the state capital for the signing of SB 6160, a juvenile justice reform bill they helped pass into law.

Comprehension Questions:

What is the difference between adult prison and the juvenile system?
What aspects of the Green Hill program are these men highlighting?
What is Capitol Classroom? How did it help these young men?
What did they learn from Capitol Classroom?
Why was going to the Capitol an important step for the Capitol Classroom students?
Why did they fight for SB 6160, which instituted JR to 25? Why is it important?
Why are your personal voices so important?
What did Governor Jay Inslee say about the importance of the bill?

YouTube Video Zc4sqkHuAr0
18:01

Overview:

This video follows young people at Washington’s Green Hill School as they share their experiences with incarceration, rehabilitation, and advocacy for juvenile justice reform. Through personal stories, students explore how counseling, education, and supportive programs helped them rethink their futures and find purpose beyond their past mistakes. The video also highlights their work with lawmakers on Senate Bill 6160, a juvenile justice reform bill focused on rehabilitation, brain science, and reducing recidivism. Viewers gain insight into the challenges facing incarcerated youth and the power of civic engagement, second chances, and restorative approaches to justice.

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