Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, will spend two days on a Human Services Committee tour to help shape the committee’s priorities and how they impact the social services available across Washington State, which are administered by the Department of Children, Youth & Families and Department of Social Human Services.

On June 10, the committee began he day with a work session on non-dependent minors exiting public systems of care, such as Juvenile Rehabilitation and Foster Care. They discussed what happens when a parent, guardian, or responsible adult does not pick up a minor in their care.

The afternoon will include tours of Jefferson County’s Proctor House, Nest, Pfeiffer House, and Parliament House. 

The Proctor House is a community-based alternative juvenile detention facility. Runaway and at-risk youth, truants, and moderate/low-risk offender youth who are court-ordered to serve time in detention may be eligible to serve their time in the Jefferson County Proctor House.

The Nest is a community coffee house where, in addition to coffee, outreach advocates help young people explore opportunities via resources, community connections, outreach, events, and simply interacting, building connections, and social capital.

The Pfeiffer and Parliament Houses provide affordable housing for young adults 18-25 who are experiencing homelessness or fleeing an unsafe environment. The staff help the resident develop case plans and provide on-site therapeutic support services.

“As we begin our work session on non-dependent minors exiting public systems of care, it is crucial to understand the challenges these young individuals face when they lack a responsible adult to turn to. Our discussions today will help shape policies that ensure no minor is left without support during such critical transitions,” Boehnke said.

Day two will include a tour of the Clallam Bay Corrections Center, one of 11 corrections centers run by the Washington State Department of Corrections. The center is located in Clallman Bay, Wash., and has a medium close and maximum custody level. It was opened in 1985 and has a capacity of 858 male inmates.

“Visiting the Clallam Bay Corrections Center underscores the complexities of our correctional system. It is imperative that we continue to explore ways to improve rehabilitation and reintegration efforts for inmates, ensuring they have the tools needed for a successful return to society,” Boehnke said.