article_snippet: : State officials say the juvenile detention centers are a last resort for dangerous youths or those who have no responded to other measures .
article_snippet: Around 750 youths a year are sent to juvenile detention facilities in Washington.
article_snippet: State information on the prison system says those sent there have often committed violent crimes or ignored previous punishments.
article_snippet: Information from the overseeing Social and Health Services department says: 'These youngsters are typically serious and violent offenders or youth with extensive offense histories who have not responded to local sanctions and interventions.'
article_snippet: Children as young as 12 can be incarcerated, and can stay in juvenile detention facilities in Washington until Children as young as 12 are 20.
article_snippet: Robbery, assault, burglary and rape feature prominently among the convictions which led to their incarcerations.