Executive Constantine directs Public Health to oversee King County juvenile detention reorganization
As part of King County’s commitment to reduce traumatization of youth in detention, eliminate racial disparities in the juvenile justice system and advance the goal of zero youth detention, Executive Constantine directed a multi-departmental team under the oversight and direction of Public Health – Seattle & King County to draft a proposal reorganizing juvenile detention services. In addition, Executive Constantine announced that King County will contract with a third-party validator, New York-based Vera Institute of Justice, to review its juvenile detention policies and practices, and recommend potential reforms. “By adopting a public… Read More
King County partners with Ballmer Group to expand access to outpatient mental health and addiction treatment
As many as 22,000 low-income people in King County will be eligible for same-day outpatient treatment for mental health and addiction services under an innovative new program announced today by King County, Ballmer Group and Third Sector Capital Partners, a San Francisco-based nonprofit advisory firm that collaborates with communities on how to contract for social services. The “Pay for Success” model will allocate $1.4 million a year in incentive payments to mental health and substance use treatment agencies that provide outpatient treatment on demand for people in need. “We are combining County… Read More
Happy Thanksgiving to our employees, their families and community
We would like to take the time to say how thankful we are for our employees and their dedication to making King County a welcoming community and a great place to live, and for supporting and serving the 2.1 million people who call this part of the world home. You drive the way that we innovate, connect and excel in our service to our community and people across the region. King County never stops serving, and we send a special thank you to the employees – bus operators, jail guards, sheriff’s deputies,… Read More
Departments recognize employees for military service
In honor of Veteran’s Day, county agencies are recognizing their veterans and reservists throughout the month of November in unique ways. The Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) held a department-wide recognition event on November 13. The event acknowledged employees based out of King Street Center who are veterans and reservists. DNRP Director Christie True and management team members provided their veterans and reservists with the King County “Veterans” thank you card and pin to commemorate their service. Employees were from the four DNRP divisions: Solid Waste Division, Wastewater Treatment Division, Parks Division and the Water… Read More
Giving inmates the skills to clean up at work and in life
This article is shared from the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention’s In Depth column and is featured courtesy of Linda Robson, Communications Specialist with the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention. Martin Douthit teaches janitorial vocational classes at RJC “I’m grateful. Truly grateful.” “I feel like being here is kind of a blessing in disguise.” “Extremely grateful.” “I really feel blessed to be here.” It was still early on a Wednesday morning, but the face of every student-inmate in Martin Douthit’s janitorial class was alert, intent, focused, and full of emotion. When… Read More
Join us in planting a million trees
If you are looking for a fun and rewarding team-building activity, how about boosting esprit de corps by helping King County plant a million trees? As part of the County’s “1 Million Trees” initiative, King County Parks is currently signing up volunteers for tree planting events this fall and winter on many of its properties. Planting a million trees by 2020 is a target action in King County’s 2015 Strategic Climate Action Plan. “Whether pulling carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, cleaning contaminants from the air and water, preventing flooding, providing shade or… Read More
Winter Weather Seminar receives warm reception
More than 100 regional stakeholders gathered together October 12 for our 6th Annual Winter Weather Seminar. Facing another La Nina forecast, NWS Seattle’s Ted Buehner said we can expect cooler and wetter than average conditions this winter season. Already we’ve seen snowfall at low elevations and stage 2 flooding in some areas. Professional experts assured participants we are ready for whatever Mother Nature sends our way. The event also provided an opportunity to reflect on past events and lessons learned. Of note was praise from King County Road Services for a collective response to… Read More
KCEGP deadline approaching, November 17
As King County employees, when we act together, we change the world for the better. November 17 is the deadline to pledge through the King County Employee Giving Program. Join us by pledging today and learn more at www.kingcounty.gov/giving. Don’t forget: There won’t be another opportunity to make a donation of vacation time to a nonprofit!
Lend a paw: Animals searching for their forever home
Crossposted from KC Employee Giving For many of us, our pets are more than just pets – they are a part of the family. Cats and dogs are there in our moments of joy and of sadness, in our moments of smiles and tears. In this year’s Annual Giving Drive, you too can make a difference in an animal’s life by donating to one or various organizations. Don’t wait, lend a paw to a cat or dog in search of their forever home. With over 80 nonprofit organizations doing work with animals, below are… Read More
Keeping King County safe during flood season
Only a month ago, the nation witnessed hurricane-induced flooding in many parts of the country. Our region doesn’t experience hurricanes, but we do experience flood conditions nearly every year due to another weather phenomenon that recently garnered headlines – atmospheric rivers. When the rains fall and the rivers rise, King County’s flood response teams kick into gear. One of the first steps is the opening of the King County Flood Warning Center (FWC), which gathers, analyzes and distributes flood-related information to help people – including County employees – protect themselves, their families and… Read More
Employee News 