New Tools and Resources for Social Service Providers who work with Children of the Incarcerated

Research has shown that as many as 1 in 31 adults in this country are in prison, jail or under some kind of correctional supervision.  Even though oftentimes the question isn’t asked, social workers and social service providers often encounter and seek to help children of the incarcerated, their families and caregivers.  DSHS’ Children’s Administration and Planning, Performance and Accountability Office have created a new video training available online to help social service providers gain new tools and resources to help work with this community more effectively.  Please go to: http://www.dshs.wa.gov/ca/pubs/pubcats.asp?cat=Multi-Media to learn more about this training!  

New Training Resource for Foster Parents and Relative Caregivers

Are you caring for a child who has one or more parents in prison or jail?  This is a reality for many children in out of home or relative placement.  Did you know that even if a parent is incarcerated, they still need to be provided court-ordered services such as visitation?  How can you work effectively with social workers and birth parents on this issue, while ensuring that the child(ren) in your care receive the support and services they need?  These and many other questions are addressed through a new online video training called Working Effectively with Children of the Incarcerated, their Parents and Caregivers, available at: http://www.dshs.wa.gov/ca/fosterparents/onGoingVid.asp.  You can receive credit for each module of the training that you complete. 

You may also be interested in viewing a copy of a DSHS publication called Beyond the Walls: A Guide to Services for Families Affected by Incarceration, available at: http://www.dshs.wa.gov/pdf/Publications/22-1288.pdf.     

A Web-Based Resource Guide

Designed for Social Service Providers Working with Children and Families Affected by Incarceration in Washington State (DSHS 2009). For more information

This tab includes: Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Support  | Juvenile Rehab | Economic, Medical and Childcare  | Child Support | Kinship Caregiver Supports | Foster Parent Supports | Developmental Disabilities  | Apply for DSHS Services | Publications for Families

Connecting to Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Support and Services

Youth that are eligible for Medicaid (medical coupons) can be assessed at mental health agencies contracted through the Regional Support Networks (RSNs), to determine what services might be available.

To determine where you or a client should go for assistance to meet mental health needs, call the Crisis line number for your county.

For a description of mental health services that are provided through the RSNs, and information on youth outpatient, inpatient and residential treatment facilities, click here.

For referrals to chemical dependency treatment, call the Washington Recovery Help Line  at 1-866-789-1511. 

For more information on chemical dependency treatment, including “Frequently Asked Questions About Treatment,” and a “Screening Questionnaire for Adolescents,” click here.

View the list of certified chemical dependency service providers in Washington State.

To find out more about substance abuse prevention services, read about The Division of Alcohol and Substance abuse’ Prevention Program, including a resource kit and information on prevention programs across the state.

Juvenile Rehabilitation Services

The Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (JRA) uses an Integrated Treatment Model in their residential and parole programs that draws from cognitive-behavioral therapy and family therapy.  Click here to read more about this model.

For those youth that receive parole after release, JRA uses a service model called Functional Family Parole.  Youth and families that qualify for parole receive between 5 and 6 months of services.  JRA also connects youth to mentors and other therapeutic programs.

Some low-risk youth are placed into JRA’s Residential Treatment and Care Program (RTCP) as an alternative to placement in a secure institution.  Youth are placed in specialized foster homes using Multi-dimensional Treatment Foster Care.

For a directory of regional offices and information about each of JRA’s facilities, including location, click here.  JRA youth also reside in six group homes, some of which have specialized mental health and/or chemical dependency foci.  These homes help transition JRA youth back into the community.

Economic, Medical and Childcare Services

Applications for services below can be made through DSHS’ Community Services Offices, or through an online application for benefits.

• TANF

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash and medical support for qualifying families.  Caregivers of children who have an incarcerated parent can receive TANF grants regardless of income (“non-needy grant”).   Non-related adults caring for children “in the place of a parent” may also be eligible.  Child support cases are automatically opened to help the state pay for the cost of TANF, if there is/are non-custodial parent(s).   However kinship caregivers can request that child support not be pursued from a non-custodial parent if it would impact the safety of their home and family (called a “good cause decision to not pursue”).  DSHS also operates emergency services programs through the Community Services Offices (CSOs) that provide assistance to eligible families dealing with eviction, lack of food, homelessness, pregnancy medical issues, utility shut off, domestic violence, medical emergencies, non-receipt of benefits, daycare needed due to work, or circumstances that present harm to the client or others.

• Medical Assistance

There are multiple medical assistance programs funded and administered by the state.  Many programs require individuals to be covered by Medicaid.  To find out if your client is eligible for Medicaid, click here.  Healthy Options is a Medicaid managed care program for adults and families, including children eligible for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).  The First Steps program provides medical and support services for pregnant women.  Apple Health for Kids provides health coverage and affordable health care for children in families with higher income limits.  The Family Planning program provides birth control and family planning services for Medicaid-eligible women and men.  Adults who qualify for the General Assistance-Unemployable (GAU) program receive GAU managed care health coverage.  DSHS medical programs pay for transportation services to get clients to and from needed non-emergency healthcare programs.  Medicaid clients receive mental health benefits and chemical dependency services (see section above).  DSHS medical programs also include a Smoking Cessation benefit.

Washington Basic Health is a state-sponsored program that provides low-cost health care coverage through private health plans.

• Food Assistance

Basic Food is the state’s food stamp program, which many families do qualify for.  Participation in Basic Food also includes enrollment in free school meals for school-aged children, and qualification for low-cost local phone services.  Families that meet requirements for Basic Food also qualify for the Women Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program.  If a client qualifies for food assistance, they will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, otherwise known as a Quest Card.  Clients may also benefit from visiting food banks.  To see a map of food banks across the state, click here.

• Subsidized Telephone Service

The Washington Telephone Assistance program (WTAP) helps low-income households afford telephone services.  WTAP discounts phone service, and for those who are not able to get a traditional phone, WTAP also provides no-cost community voice mail.

• Subsidized Childcare

Working Connections Child Care helps eligible families pay for childcare.  To find child care providers in your area, contact the Washington State Child Care Resource and Referral Program.  

• Residential Parenting Program

The Residential Parenting Program at the Department of Correction’s Washington Correction Center for Women (WCCW) allows pregnant, minimum security inmates with sentences of less than 30 months the opportunities to keep their babies with them after giving birth.  Children there receive Early Head Start services, and services are supported through specialized financial services from DSHS.  Currently those women who have previous Child Protective Services (CPS) involvement are not eligible for this program.

• Expedited Medical Assistance

Under HB 1290 (2005), offenders who received medical coupons prior to incarceration are able to be referred prior to release to re-instate their medical coverage, so that they can have medical coverage when they are released.  The correctional facility (DOC prison or county jail) needs to refer the offender to DSHS prior to release by looking them up through a free database available from DSHS, the Expedited Medical Determination database (EMD).  This database will tell the correctional facility if they’ve received medical coupons in the past.  If so, they can be referred to coordinators from the Economic Services Administration (ESA) in each geographic area that receives those referrals to process those benefits.

Child Support Services

• Resources for Caregivers

If a caregiver chooses to not receive TANF to help care for the child in their home with an incarcerated parent, they can choose to open a child support case in order to help pay for the cost of caring for the child.   The Division of Child Support can also help establish paternity.  

• Information on modifying child support orders  

Regardless of whether they are incarcerated or not, child support debt continues to accrue if child support is unpaid.  Therefore it is very important to help parents that are incarcerated or recently released communicate with the Division of Child Support.  Non-custodial parents that have a high or unmanageable debt can request a modification of their child support order so that their payments can be reduced.  If the non-custodial parent requests a Conference Board hearing, a portion of the debt to the state may be reduced, depending on circumstances.  Individuals should start the process by speaking to their local Division of Child Support office. 

Read more in the pdf pamphlet: "Do I still have to pay child support if I am in prison?"

Kinship Caregiver Supports

DSHS operates a Kinship Caregivers Support Program (KCSP) in each county, assisted by Kinship Care Navigators that provide support and resource referrals to kinship caregivers.  The KCSP provides short-term supports (funds) for relative caregivers that are not involved in the child welfare system- for food, housing, clothing, school supplies and legal services. They also refer kinship caregivers to state and community resources.  Relatives raising children are eligible for “non-needy” TANF grants (financial support regardless of income).  For more information see the “economic supports” section above.

Kinship caregivers that are working with child welfare may benefit from reading the Relative’s Guide to Child Welfare Services.

Foster Parent Supports

Foster parents receive free training from Children’s Administration.  In addition to foster parent HUB support groups (contact Children’s Administration for more information), foster parents can find support from the foster parent and relative caregiver crisis support lines, and the Foster Parents Association of Washington State (FPAWS).

Developmental Disabilities Services

The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) provides services to those with developmental disabilities.  The Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program (ITEIP) provides services to children with developmental disabilities age birth to three.  ITEIP also provides assessments for children who may have developmental concerns.

Apply for DSHS Services

You can apply for a range of DSHS services including health care, income support, food stamps and treatment services through the Community Services Office (CSOs) in your area.  Find your local DSHS offices.

Publications for Families

DSHS Publications has developed several free publications to help families understand how to access DSHS services, including:  

• "A Parent's Guide to Child Welfare Services,"
• "A Relative’s Guide to Child Welfare Services " and

• "Relatives as Parents Program."

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Children and Families of Incarcerated Parents:  Understanding the Challenges and Addressing the Needs (DSHS 2007).  This publication was created for submission to the statewide Children and Families of Incarcerated Parents advisory committee.  It outlines the current challenges faced in serving these families, and recommendations on how to do so more effectively.

Beyond the Walls: A Guide to Services for Families Affected by Incarceration  (DSHS 2009). This link will take you to the DSHS publications site, where this guide can be downloaded at no cost in English and Spanish. If you would like to receive printed copies of this guide, please contact Planning, Performance and Accountability at DSHS at 360.902.7803.

Children of DOC Incarcerated Parents Use DSHS Services at Very High Rates  (DSHS 2008). This link will take you to a report issued in August 2008 by DSHS’ Research and Data Analysis Division. It includes initial data that matches DSHS data sources to DOC and Department of Health data, to provide information on what services children of incarcerated parents receive, and where they live within the state of Washington.

This tab includes: Department of Corrections | County Jail Website | Department of Early Learning  | Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction | Employment Security Department | Washington State Department of Veteran’s Affairs | Housing 

Department of Corrections (DOC), Washington State

• Find out more about the Family and Friends Services  offered by the DOC through the prisons.
• DOC Inmate Locator

To find an inmate in a Department of Corrections (DOC) prison, go to the web-based DOC inmate locator. It helps to have the inmate’s full name, date of birth and DOC number.

• Community Partnership Program Coordinators at Prisons

The best contact for social workers at prisons to discuss services currently available for inmates is each facility’s Community Partnership Program Coordinator (CPPC). You can also contact the CPPC in the facility with the inmate you are working with to ask them to communicate with the inmate’s correctional counselor and to find out from them what services they are engaging in.

• Visitation and Facility Information

In order to coordinate a visit at a DOC facility, first read about the visitation program and how to receive approval for visitors to come to facilities, and the rules on visiting with a minor. Then go to the websites for the prison facilities to learn more about the visitation days, times and procedures for the facility you want to visit. If you or others are corresponding with an inmate, read about how to send mail to an offender. For more information on communicating with inmates via telephone, click here. To read more about DOC’s Family and Friends Services, go the Family and Friends webpage

For assistance in working with a parent that has been released and is on probation, speak with their probation officer. Services for adults and families are provided in the community through DOC’s Community Justice Centers (CJCs). DOC probation officers are also stationed in field offices

County Jail Websites

Click on the name of the county to go to or connect to the jail website and/or jail roster for that county jail. Note: not all counties have websites, and/or rosters. If a jail does not have an online roster, call the jail and speak with the Sheriff. Go to the website or call the jail for information on visitation procedures and hours, and available services.

Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Clark, Columbia, Cowlitz, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, Kitsap, King, King County (jail locations and visitation), Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Lincoln,  Mason, Okanogan, Pacific, Pend Oreille, Pierce,   San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Spokane, Stevens, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, Whatcom, Whitman, Yakima.

Department of Early Learning

Includes information on child care and early childhood education.

Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

• OSPI's Children of Incarcerated Parents Information and Projects
• Center for the Improvement of Student Learning  - Family focused information about education and the schools.

Employment Security Department

Assists ex-offenders in finding employment. Links to a number of resources for ex-offenders and their families.

Washington State Department of Veteran’s Affairs

• The Veteran’s Incarcerated Project - Washington State Veteran’s Affairs works with incarcerated veterans in King County, providing resources and support.
• Washington State Veteran’s Affairs - provides counseling to children of veterans for PTSD, including children of incarcerated veterans.

Housing

• The Department of Commerce provides funding and lists contact information for emergency shelters and affordable housing programs. Find affordable housing in Washington State, or look for housing resources by county through the Washington State Coalition for the Homeless (scroll to the bottom of the web page after you click on the link)

DSHS and the Statewide Mentoring Partnership

• Caregivers Choice is a national program that can help families find mentoring programs in their area and provides funding to some mentoring programs.
• The DSHS Statewide Mentoring Partnership provides mentoring resources to families and agencies.
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters operates a Mentoring Children of Promise program that provides mentors to children with parents in state prison. Go to their website and enter in the zip code of the child that needs mentoring to find the office you need to contact.
• Girl Scouts of America operates a Girl Scouts Beyond Bars program for daughters of incarcerated mothers. Supportive activities are combined with supervised and meaningful visitation.
• Boy Scouts of America operates a Children Of Incarcerated Parents (COIP) program, for sons of incarcerated parents. Supportive activities are combined with visitation. Contact the Boy Scouts of the Chief Seattle Council and ask for the contact for the COIP program.
• Volunteers of America operates a Mentoring Children of Promise program for children of incarcerated parents in several areas of the state.
• Goodwill Industries Inland Northwest, in partnership with other organizations, operates a Mentoring Children of Promise program in the greater Spokane area.
• Powerful Voices provides mentoring to young women in juvenile justice facilities, including youth mothers.
• Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents (MCIP) provides mentoring to children of incarcerated parents in the Walla Walla area.
• Powerful Voices - This Seattle-based organization provides mentoring to young women in juvenile justice facilities, including young mothers.

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Department of Corrections (DOC), Washington State

• Find out more about the Family and Friends Services  offered by DOC through the prisons.
• DOC Inmate Locator 

To find an inmate in a Department of Corrections (DOC) prison, go to the web-based DOC inmate locator. It helps to have the inmate’s full name, date of birth and DOC number.

• Community Partnership Program Coordinators at Prisons

The best contact for social workers at prisons to discuss services currently available for inmates is each facility’s Community Partnership Program Coordinator (CPPC). You can also contact the CPPC in the facility with the inmate you are working with to ask them to communicate with the inmate’s correctional counselor and to find out from them what services they are engaging in.

• Visitation and Facility Information

In order to coordinate a visit at a DOC facility, first read about the visitation program and how to receive approval for visitors to come to facilities, and the rules on visiting with a minor. Then go to the websites for the prison facilities to learn more about the visitation days, times and procedures for the facility you want to visit. If you or others are corresponding with an inmate, read about how to send mail to an offender. For more information on communicating with inmates via telephone, click here. To read more about DOC’s Family and Friends Services, go the Family and Friends webpage

For assistance in working with a parent that has been released and is on probation, speak with their probation officer. Services for adults and families are provided in the community through DOC’s Community Justice Centers (CJCs). DOC probation officers are also stationed in field offices

County Jail Websites

Click on the name of the county to go to or connect to the jail website and/or jail roster for that county jail. Note: not all counties have websites, and/or rosters. If a jail does not have an online roster, call the jail and speak with the Sheriff. Go to the website or call the jail for information on visitation procedures and hours, and available services.

Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Clark, Columbia, Cowlitz, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, Kitsap, King, King County (jail locations and visitation), Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Lincoln,  Mason, Okanogan, Pacific, Pend Oreille, Pierce,   San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Spokane, Stevens, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, Whatcom, Whitman, Yakima.

Department of Early Learning

Includes information on child care and early childhood education.

Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

• OSPI's Children of Incarcerated Parents Information and Projects
• Center for the Improvement of Student Learning  - Family focused information about education and the schools.

Employment Security Department

Assists ex-offenders in finding employment. Links to a number of resources for ex-offenders and their families.

Washington State Department of Veteran’s Affairs

• The Veteran’s Incarcerated Project - Washington State Veteran’s Affairs works with incarcerated veterans in King County, providing resources and support.
• Washington State Veteran’s Affairs - provides counseling to children of veterans for PTSD, including children of incarcerated veterans.

Housing

• The Department of Commerce provides funding and lists contact information for emergency shelters and affordable housing programs. Find affordable housing in Washington State, or look for housing resources by county through the Washington State Coalition for the Homeless (scroll to the bottom of the web page after you click on the link)

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Washington Basic Health
Provides health coverage to children or families in need (income limited).

Community Health Access Program
Identifies free or low cost health insurance programs for children and
families (considers a range of incomes).

This tab includes: Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Support  | Juvenile Rehab | Economic, Medical and Childcare  | Child Support | Kinship Caregiver Supports | Foster Parent Supports | Developmental Disabilities  | Apply for DSHS Services | Publications for Families

Connecting to Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Support and Services

Youth that are eligible for Medicaid (medical coupons) can be assessed at mental health agencies contracted through the Regional Support Networks (RSNs), to determine what services might be available.

To determine where you or a client should go for assistance to meet mental health needs, call the Crisis line number for your county.

For a description of mental health services that are provided through the RSNs, and information on youth outpatient, inpatient and residential treatment facilities, click here.

For referrals to chemical dependency treatment, call the Alcohol/Drug Helpline: 1-800-562.1240 (within Washington State) or 206-722-3700 (from Seattle or out of Washington State). 

For more information on chemical dependency treatment, including “Frequently Asked Questions About Treatment,” and a “Screening Questionnaire for Adolescents,” click here.

View the list of certified chemical dependency service providers in Washington State.

To find out more about substance abuse prevention services, read about The Division of Alcohol and Substance abuse’ Prevention Program, including a resource kit and information on prevention programs across the state.

Juvenile Rehabilitation Services

The Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (JRA) uses an Integrated Treatment Model in their residential and parole programs that draws from cognitive-behavioral therapy and family therapy.  Click here to read more about this model.

For those youth that receive parole after release, JRA uses a service model called Functional Family Parole.  Youth and families that qualify for parole receive between 5 and 6 months of services.  JRA also connects youth to mentors and other therapeutic programs.

Some low-risk youth are placed into JRA’s Residential Treatment and Care Program (RTCP) as an alternative to placement in a secure institution.  Youth are placed in specialized foster homes using Multi-dimensional Treatment Foster Care.

For a directory of regional offices and information about each of JRA’s facilities, including location, click here.  JRA youth also reside in six group homes, some of which have specialized mental health and/or chemical dependency foci.  These homes help transition JRA youth back into the community.

Economic, Medical and Childcare Services

Applications for services below can be made through DSHS’ Community Services Offices, or through an online application for benefits.

• TANF

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash and medical support for qualifying families.  Caregivers of children who have an incarcerated parent can receive TANF grants regardless of income (“non-needy grant”).   Non-related adults caring for children “in the place of a parent” may also be eligible.  Child support cases are automatically opened to help the state pay for the cost of TANF, if there is/are non-custodial parent(s).   However kinship caregivers can request that child support not be pursued from a non-custodial parent if it would impact the safety of their home and family (called a “good cause decision to not pursue”).  DSHS also operates emergency services programs through the Community Services Offices (CSOs) that provide assistance to eligible families dealing with eviction, lack of food, homelessness, pregnancy medical issues, utility shut off, domestic violence, medical emergencies, non-receipt of benefits, daycare needed due to work, or circumstances that present harm to the client or others.

• Medical Assistance

There are multiple medical assistance programs funded and administered by the state.  Many programs require individuals to be covered by Medicaid.  To find out if your client is eligible for Medicaid, click here.  Healthy Options is a Medicaid managed care program for adults and families, including children eligible for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).  The First Steps program provides medical and support services for pregnant women.  Apple Health for Kids provides health coverage and affordable health care for children in families with higher income limits.  The Family Planning program provides birth control and family planning services for Medicaid-eligible women and men.  Adults who qualify for the General Assistance-Unemployable (GAU) program receive GAU managed care health coverage.  DSHS medical programs pay for transportation services to get clients to and from needed non-emergency healthcare programs.  Medicaid clients receive mental health benefits and chemical dependency services (see section above).  DSHS medical programs also include a Smoking Cessation benefit.

Washington Basic Health is a state-sponsored program that provides low-cost health care coverage through private health plans.

• Food Assistance

Basic Food is the state’s food stamp program, which many families do qualify for.  Participation in Basic Food also includes enrollment in free school meals for school-aged children, and qualification for low-cost local phone services.  Families that meet requirements for Basic Food also qualify for the Women Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program.  If a client qualifies for food assistance, they will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, otherwise known as a Quest Card.  Clients may also benefit from visiting food banks.  To see a map of food banks across the state, click here.

• Subsidized Telephone Service

The Washington Telephone Assistance program (WTAP) helps low-income households afford telephone services.  WTAP discounts phone service, and for those who are not able to get a traditional phone, WTAP also provides no-cost community voice mail.

• Subsidized Childcare

Working Connections Child Care helps eligible families pay for childcare.  To find child care providers in your area, contact the Washington State Child Care Resource and Referral Program.  

• Residential Parenting Program

The Residential Parenting Program at the Department of Correction’s Washington Correction Center for Women (WCCW) allows pregnant, minimum security inmates with sentences of less than 30 months the opportunities to keep their babies with them after giving birth.  Children there receive Early Head Start services, and services are supported through specialized financial services from DSHS.  Currently those women who have previous Child Protective Services (CPS) involvement are not eligible for this program.

• Expedited Medical Assistance

Under HB 1290 (2005), offenders who received medical coupons prior to incarceration are able to be referred prior to release to re-instate their medical coverage, so that they can have medical coverage when they are released.  The correctional facility (DOC prison or county jail) needs to refer the offender to DSHS prior to release by looking them up through a free database available from DSHS, the Expedited Medical Determination database (EMD).  This database will tell the correctional facility if they’ve received medical coupons in the past.  If so, they can be referred to coordinators from the Economic Services Administration (ESA) in each geographic area that receives those referrals to process those benefits.

Child Support Services

• Resources for Caregivers

If a caregiver chooses to not receive TANF to help care for the child in their home with an incarcerated parent, they can choose to open a child support case in order to help pay for the cost of caring for the child.   The Division of Child Support can also help establish paternity.  

• Information on modifying child support orders  

Regardless of whether they are incarcerated or not, child support debt continues to accrue if child support is unpaid.  Therefore it is very important to help parents that are incarcerated or recently released communicate with the Division of Child Support.  Non-custodial parents that have a high or unmanageable debt can request a modification of their child support order so that their payments can be reduced.  If the non-custodial parent requests a Conference Board hearing, a portion of the debt to the state may be reduced, depending on circumstances.  Individuals should start the process by speaking to their local Division of Child Support office. 

Read more in the pdf pamphlet: "Do I still have to pay child support if I am in prison?"

Kinship Caregiver Supports

DSHS operates a Kinship Caregivers Support Program (KCSP) in each county, assisted by Kinship Care Navigators that provide support and resource referrals to kinship caregivers.  The KCSP provides short-term supports (funds) for relative caregivers that are not involved in the child welfare system- for food, housing, clothing, school supplies and legal services. They also refer kinship caregivers to state and community resources.  Relatives raising children are eligible for “non-needy” TANF grants (financial support regardless of income).  For more information see the “economic supports” section above.

Kinship caregivers that are working with child welfare may benefit from reading the Relative’s Guide to Child Welfare Services.

Foster Parent Supports

Foster parents receive free training from Children’s Administration.  In addition to foster parent HUB support groups (contact Children’s Administration for more information), foster parents can find support from the foster parent and relative caregiver crisis support lines, and the Foster Parents Association of Washington State (FPAWS).

Developmental Disabilities Services

The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) provides services to those with developmental disabilities.  The Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program (ITEIP) provides services to children with developmental disabilities age birth to three.  ITEIP also provides assessments for children who may have developmental concerns.

Apply for DSHS Services

You can apply for a range of DSHS services including health care, income support, food stamps and treatment services through the Community Services Office (CSOs) in your area.  Find your local DSHS offices.

Publications for Families

DSHS Publications has developed several free publications to help families understand how to access DSHS services, including:  

• "A Parent's Guide to Child Welfare Services,"
• "A Relative’s Guide to Child Welfare Services " and

• "Relatives as Parents Program."

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• The Center for Children of Incarcerated Parents (CCIP)
  This Center is based in California and offers training, technical assistance and local programs to assist families facing parental incarceration.
• Families and Corrections Network (FCN)
  FCN hosts the National Resource Center on Children and Family of the Incarcerated, a National Resource Center previously managed by the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA).  They offer training opportunities, supportive email lists for families, multiple links to support groups and a reading room including research and relevant information.

• The National Institute of Corrections offers extensive information and resources for inmates and their families.
• The Offender Preparation and Education Network Inc. (OPEN) provides self-help resources and other information for offenders and families.
• The San Francisco Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership offers training and resources as well as information on their “Children of Incarcerated Parents Bill of Rights” project.
• Pennies for Prison offers networking, information and supports.
• Lives in Focus: Family Life Behind Bars offers extensive networking and other information for families affected by incarceration.

• The National Incarcerated Parents and Families Network (NIPFN) offers on-line support for families.
• Legal Services for Prisoners with Children (LSPC) provides information, referrals and advocacy for prisoners with children.
• In Arms Reach is a comprehensive support program for children of the incarcerated or recently incarcerated in New York City.

• Children of Prisoners, Children of Promise Videoconference, June 18^th 2003
• Children of Incarcerated Parents Forum Segment: A
  Children of Incarcerated Parents Forum Segment: B
  DOC forum, June 19th 2005

Most of the following informational brochures and handouts for caregivers, families, parents and providers were produced by the Family and Corrections Network (FCN).

• How to Explain Jails and Prisons to Children: A Caregivers Guide (OR Dept. of Corrections). This booklet contains suggestions for caretakers on how to discuss incarceration with a parent with a young child, and a “story” to read with children to help explain basic concepts.
• Visiting Tips for Families: Supporting Children Visiting their Parents (Osbourne Association). This handout provides helpful tips and information for caregivers and custodial parents on helping children understand and gain positive results from visiting an incarcerated parent.
• What Do Children of Prisoners and their Caregivers Need? (Adalist-Estrin, FCN). This handout summarizes in straightforward language what caregivers and children of prisoners need to help improve their outcomes.
• Visiting Mom or Dad: The Child’s Perspective (Adalist-Estrin, FCN). This handout summarizes what caretakers or visitation providers need to know about the experience of children visiting jails or prisons.
• Caring for Children of Prisoners (Adalist-Estrin, FCN). This pamphlet provides helpful information for caregivers and social service providers on the challenges children face at each stage of development when a parent is incarcerated.
• Tips for Caregivers- from Caregivers (Adalist-Estrin, FCN). This pamphlet includes tips for caregivers for those who have “been there,” including tips on how to discuss issues with family members.
• Questions from Caregivers (Adalist-Estrin, FCN). Frequently asked questions from caregivers are answered, including suggestions on how to address common problems with children.
• Communication Tips for Prisoners and Their Families (Adalist-Estrin, FCN). This is a helpful pamphlet for parents to help guide their interactions with their children during in-person visits and other forms of contact.
• Why Maintain Relationships? (Adalist-Estrin, FCN). This handout summarizes the advantages for children and families of maintaining contact and visiting.
• When your Grandchild’s Parent is in Prison (AARP 2009). This article provides needed information for grandparents who are raising grandchildren with incarcerated parent(s).

Department of Corrections | Finding and Working with Parent in Jail 

Department of Corrections

• DOC Inmate Locator

To find an inmate in a Department of Corrections (DOC) prison, go to the web-based DOC inmate locator. It helps to have the inmate’s full name, date of birth and DOC number.

• Community Partnership Program Coordinators at Prisons

The best contact for social workers at prisons to discuss services currently available for inmates is each facility’s Community Partnership Program Coordinator (CPPC). You can also contact the CPPC in the facility with the inmate you are working with to ask them to communicate with the inmate’s correctional counselor and to find out from them what services they are engaging in.

• Visitation and Facility Information

In order to coordinate a visit at a DOC facility, first read about the visitation program and how to receive approval for visitors to come to facilities, and the rules on visiting with a minor. Then go to the websites for the prison facilities to learn more about the visitation days, times and procedures for the facility you want to visit. If you or others are corresponding with an inmate, read about how to send mail to an offender. For more information on communicating with inmates via telephone, click here. To read more about DOC’s Family and Friends Services, go the Family and Friends webpage.

For assistance in working with a parent that has been released and is on probation, speak with their probation officer. Services for adults and families are provided in the community through DOC’s Community Justice Centers (CJCs). DOC probation officers are also stationed in field offices.

Finding and Working with a Parent in Jail

• Jail Websites

Click on the name of the county to go to or connect to the jail website and/or jail roster for that county jail. Note: not all counties have websites, and/or rosters. If a jail does not have an online roster, call the jail and speak with the Sheriff. Go to the website or call the jail for information on visitation procedures and hours, and available services.

Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Clark, Columbia, Cowlitz, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, Kitsap, King, King County (jail locations and visitation), Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Okanogan, Pacific, Pend Oreille, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Spokane, Stevens, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, Whatcom, Whitman, Yakima.

Organizations that help coordinate visitation or contact with families

• Volunteers of America operates a Words Travel Family Connection program, which works with incarcerated parents to tape them reading books to their children, which are then sent to their children to listen to.
• Rebuilding Families Inc. (RFI) works with eligible women to help them re-enter their community. RFI also offers “The Little Bus that Could” visitation program that busses children to women’s prisons to help mothers rebuild a trusting relationship with their children.
• Matthew House supports the families of people incarcerated in Washington’s prisons with a clothing closet, a food pantry, shelter in three apartments, transportation to prisons, childcare and adult counseling.
• COMPASS/Green Park School provides mentoring, support groups, video/web visiting, parent education, re-entry support, information and referrals. Contact COMPASS by emailing: mkhause@bmi.net, or call (509) 527-3077.

Department of Corrections: Services for Parents and Families, and Contacts
Contacts and service information when a person is in prison:

Social workers and staff can contact the Community Partnership Program Coordinators (CPPCs) in each prison to determine the currently available services to parents and families at each facility, and the types of programs they offer.

• Airway Heights Corrections Center
  Molly Peringer
  PO Box 1899
  Airway Heights, WA 99001
  (509) 244-6752

• Ahtanum View Corrections Center
  Ronald Farino
  2009 South 64th Ave.
  Yakima, WA 98903
  (509) 573-6361

• Cedar Creek Corrections Center
  Sue Sheldon
  PO Box 37
  Littlerock, WA 98556
  (360) 753-7278 x601

• Clallam Bay Corrections Center
  Tanja Cain, acting CPPC
  LeAnne Fletcher, CPPC
  1830 Eagle Crest Way
  Clallam Bay, WA 98326
  (360) 963-3203

• Coyote Ridge Corrections Center
  Maggie Edler
  PO Box 769
  Connell, WA 99326
  (509) 543-5906

• Larch Corrections Center
  Nancy Simmons
  15314 NE Dole Valley Rd.
  Yacolt, WA 98675
  (360) 260-6300 x215

• McNeil Island Corrections Center
  Kim Govreau
  PO Box 88900
  Steilacoom, WA 98388
  (253) 512-6589

• Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women
  Patricia McGill
  3420 NE Sand Hill
  Belfair, WA 98528
  (360) 277-2400

• Monroe Correctional Complex
  Marjorie Petersen
  PO Box 514
  Monroe, WA 98272
  (360) 794-2627

• Olympic Corrections Center
  Dan James
  11235 Hoh Mainline
  Forks, WA 98331
  (360) 374-6181 x343

• Pine Lodge Corrections Center for Women
  Patricia Gaimari
  PO Box 300
  Medical Lake, WA 99002
  (509) 299-2341

• Stafford Creek Corrections Center
  Dawn Taylor
  191 Constantine Way
  Aberdeen, WA 98520
  (360) 537-2029

• Washington Corrections Center
  Judy Mayo
  PO Box 900
  Shelton, WA 98584
  (360) 427-4599

• Washington Corrections Center for Women
  Vicki York
  9601 Bujacich Road NW
  Gig Harbor, WA 98335
  (253) 858-4653

• Washington State Penitentiary
  Karen Gleason, Interim CPPC
  1313 North 13th Ave.
  Walla Walla, WA 99362
  (509) 525-3610 x1232/1239
  

Contacts and service information when a person is under correctional supervision in the community:

DOC has family specialists located at Community Justice Centers that work with families in their region, including providing parenting classes and other resources.

• Family Specialist: Seattle Community Justice Center
  Michelle Kaiser
  (206) 516-7625

• Family Specialist: Spokane Community Justice Center
  Kathy Lamb
  (509) 363-2737

• Family Specialist: Family Services Unit
  (Peninsula region and southwest Washington)
  Liz Weinandt
  (360) 485-8218

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DSHS is part of a multi-agency and multi-organization effort to evaluate the services and policies available to children and families of incarcerated parents, develop and analyze data available regarding families facing incarceration, and make recommendations regarding service and policy needs.

These efforts within DSHS are housed within the Office of Planning, Performance and Accountability (PPA), led by Senior Director Jody Becker-Green.