What to Expect When You Visit Green Hill School: No-Contact Visits, Fewer Visitors, and Increased Searches

Visits at Green Hill School look different now. Visitation is no-contact, fewer people can attend each visit, and security searches have increased. Residents may also be restricted to their assigned units, which affects where visits happen and how much movement is allowed on-site.

Before you drive out, confirm the current visiting hours, who can visit, and whether you need to schedule ahead. For questions about the state's announcement on these changes, DCYF listed a press contact: Nancy Gutierrez (360-742-6418, nancy.gutierrez@dcyf.wa.gov).

• ✓ Whether visits are currently no-contact and how the visit space is set up
• ✓ The current limit on how many visitors are allowed per visit
• ✓ What search and screening procedures you should expect at entry (and what items are likely to slow check-in)

Expect a more thorough check-in than you might be used to. Green Hill has ramped up searches to reduce contraband, so entry takes longer and screening feels more intensive.

The facility has also implemented a clear-bag policy for staff and contractors entering campus. That doesn't automatically apply to visitors, so if you're unsure what you can bring, confirm before you leave home.

Green Hill now uses no-contact visitation. That means no hugs, no holding hands, and a physical barrier between you and the resident. If you haven't visited since this change took effect, call ahead to ask what the setup looks like - you don't want to be caught off guard at the door.

Green Hill has reduced the number of visitors allowed per visit. If your family usually comes as a group, figure out ahead of time who will attend this visit and who will rotate in next time.

1. Pick the essential visitors first - decide who most needs to be there for this visit.
2. Make a rotation plan - if more people want to visit than the current limit allows, alternate visitors across visits so everyone gets time.
3. Confirm each person is cleared to visit - double-check eligibility requirements and make sure everyone attending has the identification they’ll be expected to show.

Residents are now restricted to their assigned units. This affects where your loved one can go during visiting time, and you may have fewer options for visit location or movement on campus than before.

1. Stay calm and ask for clarification - if you’re told you can’t enter or something has changed, ask what rule is being applied and what your next option is.
2. Ask to speak to a supervisor - if the answer doesn’t make sense or you think there’s an error, request a supervisor (politely) and restate the issue clearly.
3. Write down the details - note the date/time, who you spoke with, and what you were told. This helps if you need to follow up later.
4. Follow up using the DCYF contact from the announcement - DCYF listed Nancy Gutierrez as a press contact at 360-742-6418 and nancy.gutierrez@dcyf.wa.gov.
5. Keep your own record - save any notes you made about the visit attempt and any emails you send or receive, especially if you’re trying to reschedule.