Family and Friends Services
DOC knows that social connections maintained during incarceration provide a valuable re-entry resource and that families can be an important source of housing, emotional support, financial resource and overall stability. The information on this site is part of that effort designed to reach out to friends and family.
Offender respondents cite family as the most important factor in helping them stay out of prison. Multiple national studies confirmed that offenders with family support before prison and throughout incarceration were less likely to re-offend and display a lower rate of re-offense than those without.
Announcement from the Secretary
- June 21, 2010 - Matthew House Fundraiser
- October 20, 2009 - Holiday 2009 Package Information
- October 9, 2009 - Agency Newsletter Features Family Programs
- August 19, 2009 - Mejoras Nutricionales
- August 19, 2009 - Nutritional Improvements
- May 12, 2009 - Memo to Offenders and Families About Budget
- April 2, 2009 - A Letter to Friends and Families regarding House and Senate Budget Proposals
- El 2 de abril de 2009 - Una Carta a Amigos y Familiares Referente a las Propuestas de Presupuesto de la Asamblea Legislativa y el Senado
- January 6, 2009 - A Letter to Friends and Family
- El 6 de enero de 2009 - Una carta a amigos y familiares (versión en español)
Support Group Information
Support Groups for families affected by incarceration are available in various areas across the State. Please utilize these links to find a support group near you.
- www.dshs.wa.gov/kinshipcare (Statewide information)
- http://kckinship.org/ (King County information)
- Support Group Flyer
Family Help Line 1-800-932-HOPE (4673)
The Family Help Line is a statewide, toll-free “warm” telephone line, and is a program of Parent Trust for Washington Children. The Family Help Line offers callers information and referral; parenting education and techniques; supportive listening and assistance with stress reduction and self-advocacy.
Family Programs
DOC acknowledges the vital role families play in the reentry process. We provide programming that is culturally relevant, gender responsive and informative. It is our intention to identify the challenges faced by families impacted by incarceration, and to provide support and services relative to family needs. These services include parenting classes, assistance with reunification and referrals to other entities providing social services and support.
We invite you to explore the facility pages for more information on the specific programs offered in your area.
Mentoring Programs for Children Of Offenders
Mentoring programs support and enhance parental bonds, and children who have mentors. Here are links to organizations providing children mentoring programs:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Children's Home Society
- Girl Scouts Beyond Bars
- Mentoring Children of Promise
- Mentoring Children of Prisoners
- Powerful Voices - Girls in the Seattle Area
- SOCK - Mason County
- Caregiver's Choice
Washington Youth Academy
To provide a highly disciplined, safe, and professional learning environment, the Washington Youth Academy empowers at-risk youth to improve their educational level and employment potential and become responsible and productive citizens of the State of Washington.