Juveniles moved to Pierce County jail amid Remann Hall staffing crisis, facility issues

Due to a staffing crisis and maintenance issues at Remann Hall, the Pierce County jail is now housing juvenile inmates. Currently, four juveniles have been transferred to the adult jail, with more expected due to ongoing staffing shortages that have raised safety concerns. Deputy Carly Cappetto emphasized that the transfers are court-mandated and that accommodations will be made to ensure youth safety. Defense attorney Michael Stewart highlighted that this situation stems from years of chronic underfunding and mismanagement at Remann Hall. The court order requires the adult jail to adhere to state standards for youth detention, including educational programming and prohibiting solitary confinement.

As of now, 58 youth offenders are on alternative detention methods, while 33 are housed at Remann Hall, many facing serious charges. Pierce County Superior Court Judge Joseph A. Evans noted the acute issues prompting the transfer and emphasized the court's commitment to monitoring conditions closely. Detention review hearings are set for June 16 to evaluate if the transferred youth can return to the juvenile facility safely.