Additionally, JRA is working collaboratively with the Washington State Tribes and various tribal leaders to better address the needs of the Native American youths in the juvenile justice system. In May of 1999, a two-day summit was held which brought together State, County, and tribal leaders to listen and learn from each other. Employment Training Services Current institution work programs offer youth opportunities to gain employment skills in a variety of work settings. CCH and JRA have made considerable effort to ensure a standard of training for JRA youths that is consistent with that offered to youth currently in the community. Off-campus crews assist other governmental agencies in maintenance and repair of state or county facilities, such as parks, natural habitat areas,and county landfills.
Youth workers earn a wage for the service they perform.
The wage enables them to pay restitution owed to the victims of his or her crime, and a portion of their earnings goes into a savings account to assist youth with traditional needs when they leave the facility, e.g., clothing, housing, transportation, etc. JRA, in coordination with CCH, will continue to offer its clients work experiences and training that are meaningful and prepare them to be competitive in the outside world. Offenders work with the Department of Natural Resources to thin trees, plant new trees, maintain watershed areas, and clear brush. Additionally, offenders are provided training in fire suppression and are often called to help fight forest fires in the state. In the summer of 1994, JRA youth contributed approximately 20,000 hours to fighting fires.