About the Youth

The youth come from all over the state and range in age from 12 to 25 years old. There are currently about 90 male and female residents.  Every one of them has great untapped potential.
Nearly all the youth have experienced childhood trauma. This includes homelessness, gang violence, physical abuse, domestic violence, and sexual abuse – which affects almost all the incarcerated girls. These traumas influence the actions that lead to a child’s incarceration. Many of their families have also experienced inter-generational trauma which is often a continuous cycle —one that Echo Glen staff is determined to break. Nearly all these young people have dangerously low self-esteem; they crave positive attention from adults and need good role models.

More information about the youth in this article published by Seattle Children’s Hospital

Short Videos with insight to the hearts and emotions of the residents.