Former Green Hill School Superintendent Jennifer Redman will again step into the role this week following the departure of current Superintendent Jason Aldana.
The Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), which operates the facility, announced Tuesday that Aldana has accepted a new role with the state Department of Corrections. Redman, who previously served as superintendent for six years, currently serves as DCYF’s director of operations, safety and security.
“Jennifer brings unique expertise and experience that will help us continue safety reforms as we address the unsafe overcrowding situation at Green Hill School,” DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter said in a statement. “She has a deep commitment to our mission of providing treatment, resources and skills that help young people plan for their future and re-enter their communities. I appreciate her willingness to lead Green Hill during this crucial time.”
The move will become effective Friday. DCYF will begin a search for a new superintendent.
In the release, DCYF noted many of the enhanced security procedures Aldana and Redman introduced over the past year, which include an updated process and protocol for evidence collection and storage and updated security proceedings.
DCYF is considering at least two new facilities in Western Washington, including a facility in unincorporated “urban” Pierce County with up to 16 beds.
Last month, the agency announced it was also in the “early stages” of planning a new youth detention facility at the Stafford Creek Corrections Center in Aberdeen, which is managed by the state Department of Corrections.
The soonest residents could be transferred to the facility is January 2025. According to DCYF spokesperson Nancy Gutierrez, the new DCYF-operated facility would utilize already-built structures.
Green Hill School has been plagued with issues over the past year or so, which officials have said were largely brought on by overcrowding at the facility. The population at the juvenile detention facility has swelled in part due to state legislation allowing offenders to remain at Green Hill even after they become adults. Riots, overdoses and drug and contraband possession have been among the issues. There have also been arrests of employees for narcotics and relationships with inmates.
The Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team seized evidence from the facility while serving a warrant in 2023.
Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, and former Centralia Police Chief Stacy Denham — who is now the Chehalis city manager — have called on Gov. Jay Inslee for a state investigation. Inslee has noted that improvements are being made while refusing the request for an investigation.
