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In a disturbing series of revelations, Washington’s Green Hill School, located at 375 SW 11th St, Chehalis, WA 98532, the state’s only maximum-security facility for male offenders aged 17 to 25, has come under fire following incidents that highlight severe lapses in security and oversight. According to King5, recent court proceedings and investigations have exposed misconduct by staff members, raising urgent questions about the institution's culture and policies.
In April 2024, a security officer at the facility unlocked the cell of a 22-year-old inmate serving time for two murders, allowing him to roam freely during lockdown. The inmate’s destination was a linen closet, where video evidence later revealed an encounter with Emily Baker, a former officer at the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). The footage, captured on a contraband cellphone, detailed an 18-minute meeting during which the inmate should have been confined to his cell.
This was no isolated breach. Records show other staff members at Green Hill engaged in similar behavior. Three months prior to Baker’s arrest, Michelle Goodman, a former employee dismissed for unrelated misconduct, recorded encounters with another inmate in an employee locker room. Both Baker and Goodman have faced charges of custodial sexual misconduct, highlighting alarming patterns within the institution.
Prosecutors and juvenile justice experts are now questioning the systemic issues that allowed such misconduct to fester. Brandi Archer, a deputy prosecutor in Lewis County, remarked, "This is during lockdown hours... it tells me there’s more going on that we haven’t been able to uncover." Jill Sharkey, a researcher in juvenile justice, emphasized that these incidents reflect deeper cultural failings within Green Hill itself, rather than isolated acts by rogue employees.
The institution’s culture is now under intense scrutiny, with advocates pointing to overcrowding and inadequate supervision as contributing factors. Green Hill, which costs taxpayers $625 per day per inmate—triple the cost of adult maximum-security facilities—has long been a cornerstone of Washington’s youth rehabilitation efforts, focusing on education, job training, and therapy. Yet the latest revelations threaten to undermine public trust in its mission.
Governor Bob Ferguson’s administration has taken swift action to address the unfolding crisis, appointing new leaders across the juvenile justice system. Tana Senn, the newly appointed DCYF secretary, has acknowledged the challenges posed by overcrowding, which she states impact both safety and staff behavior. Efforts are underway to restore order, with the facility’s new superintendent, Harold Wright Jr., tasked with rebuilding security and accountability.
The administration cites some progress: in the first half of the year, a record 59 inmates earned high school diplomas. However, the shadow of the recent scandals continues to loom large, leaving many to question how many other breaches have gone undetected.
DCYF maintains a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, with staff required to undergo annual training on maintaining professional boundaries and adhering to the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). Yet, as investigators continue to probe the extent of the failings at Green Hill, the institution faces an uphill battle to rebuild confidence and ensure the safety of those it is charged with rehabilitating.
The focus now shifts to whether these reforms can address the underlying issues or whether deeper structural changes will be required to prevent such abuses in the future.
Recent reports of sexual misconduct at a juvenile detention facility have raised difficult questions about accountability and prevention. For families of those affected, understanding the legal steps available can be a daunting task. To provide clarity, we sat down with Mike Pfau, a Washington attorney specializing in sexual abuse cases, to discuss the legal options for seeking accountability and the broader implications for reform.
Editor Darla Medina: These revelations from Green Hill School have shocked many. What legal avenues are available for families of victims who have experienced sexual abuse in a facility like this?
Attorney Mike Pfau: Families have several legal options here. The primary route is filing a civil lawsuit against the state agency responsible for overseeing the facility. In this case, that would be the Department of Children, Youth and Families. Such lawsuits often focus on negligence—arguing that the facility failed to protect these young individuals from harm or that its oversight systems were inadequate.
Medina: Can claims also be brought directly against the employees involved?
Pfau: Absolutely. The individuals who committed the abuse can face personal liability. However, these cases often extend beyond the perpetrators to include the institution itself, especially when systemic failures—like poor supervision, lack of training, or a toxic workplace culture—contribute to the abuse. Holding the institution accountable can push for broader systemic change.
Medina: What about families who feel hesitant to come forward due to fear of stigma or retaliation?
Pfau: That’s a very real concern, but these cases often provide anonymity for victims to protect their identities. Families should also know that taking action can help prevent future incidents and create safer environments for others. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help them understand their rights without immediately committing to legal action.
Medina: Do you think these cases will lead to broader reforms in juvenile detention facilities?
Pfau: They certainly could. Lawsuits like these often expose deeper systemic issues, forcing institutions and lawmakers to implement changes to prevent future tragedies. It’s an unfortunate reality that legal action is sometimes the strongest catalyst for reform.
Victims and their families deserve justice and the opportunity to hold institutions accountable for their failings. If you or a loved one has been impacted by sexual abuse at a juvenile detention facility, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your legal options and take action toward creating a safer future.
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