Understanding Green Hill's Overcrowding and What It Means for Families
Overcrowding at Green Hill School isn't just a statistic — it affects daily operations in ways families notice, from tighter security to changes in visitation. Here's what recent population numbers show, why the state says it matters, and how you can plan ahead.
As of Dec. 17, Green Hill School held 239 residents - nearly 60 over capacity. When a facility runs that far beyond its intended size, daily routines tighten. Less space. More pressure on staff. More rule changes aimed at keeping things under control.
This wasn't a short-term spike. Green Hill's population jumped to 231 in March 2024 and has hovered around 230 ever since. For families, that persistence matters - the facility has been running in overcrowded mode for months, not just during a brief surge.
DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter has directly linked overcrowding to safety risks at Green Hill. In his words,
Operational Impacts Families May Notice
- ✓ New restrictions aimed at addressing contraband amid overcrowding
- ✓ A higher volume of searches at the facility
- ✓ Limits on resident access to units they are not assigned to
- ✓ Fewer visitors allowed per visit
- ✓ No-contact visitation
These changes aren't arbitrary. If overcrowding makes it harder to safely monitor residents, the facility leans on controls that limit how contraband can move around or come in. That's the logic behind the new restrictions, the increased searches, and the tighter limits on movement and visitation.
Planning tip: Visits may be no-contact, and the number of visitors allowed per session may be reduced. Confirm current expectations before you travel - you don't want surprises at check-in.
- Verify the current visitation rules before you go - policies can shift quickly when a facility is responding to safety concerns.
- Keep anything that could be viewed as contraband out of your visit and mail plans - follow the posted rules closely so your contact with your loved one isn’t delayed.
- Use an official channel for urgent concerns - DCYF listed this press contact for the information shared about Green Hill: Nancy Gutierrez, Communications Administrator, 360-742-6418, nancy.gutierrez@dcyf.wa.gov.
Checking the rules ahead of time matters because Green Hill has added new restrictions and ramped up searches in response to contraband concerns. When you plan with that in mind - and avoid anything that could get flagged - you lower the odds of a denied visit, a delayed check-in, or a disruption that keeps your loved one from getting what they need.
Quick timeline: Green Hill jumped to 231 residents in March 2024 and stayed around 230 through the year. By Dec. 17, the count hit 239 - nearly 60 above capacity. The overcrowding has been sustained, not temporary.
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