Olympia, Washington — July 25, 2023 — Today, the Citizen Action Defense Fund (CADF) sent a formal letter to State Auditor Pat McCarthy requesting financial and performance audits of the King County Prosecutor’s Office Juvenile Division (KCPAO) and affiliated non-profit juvenile justice organizations. The organizations receive millions of dollars in public funds to administer juvenile diversion programs, but, according to multiple media reports, have little accountability for the funds or results which cut victims and their families out of the process and poses a significant public safety concern for the region.
The letter describes significant flaws in the administration of the programs that are designed to hold juveniles accountable for offenses while diverting them from the criminal justice system. According to the articles referenced in the letter, millions of dollars of public funds provided to the organizations have “disappeared,” and non-profits have refused efforts to provide transparency in whether juveniles are actually successfully completing their programs. In addition, serious questions have been raised as to whether the programs are safe for the juveniles themselves since it is unclear who is responsible for conducting background checks for those staffing the programs.
“The scenario described in these media reports is precisely why the state auditor is empowered by state law to undertake an independent investigation and analysis of these types of allegations about impropriety and mismanagement of public funds and programs.” Jackson Maynard, Executive Director of the Citizen Action Defense Fund stated in the letter. “While we understand that prosecutors enjoy a great deal of discretion in handling individual cases, our concern is that whether intentionally or by neglect, the law regarding the handling of juvenile offenses is being ignored or re-written to suit political or ideological preferences at the expense of crime victims.”
Jackson Maynard, Executive Director – 300 Deschutes Way SW, Suite 300, Tumwater, WA 98501
office: (360) 878-9206, cell: (850) 519-3495; [email protected]