This tab includes: Economic Medical and Childcare Services, Child Support Services, Chemical Dependency and Mental Health Treatment, Developmental Disabilities Services and Child Protective and Child Welfare Services

Economic, Medical, and Childcare Services
Applications for services below can be made through DSHS' Community Services Offices, or through an online application for benefits.

• 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 you are 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.  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 individuals and 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.

• General Assistance- Unemployable (GAU) and General Assistance-Medicaid (GAX)

Both of these programs are for those who are deemed by medical professionals to be unable to work temporarily or permanently.  Those who qualify for GAU receive a small cash allowance and medical coverage. Read more about the requirements of the GAU program: General Assistance-Unemployable (GAU).

Those who are on GAU who are considered by medical or psychological evaluations to have a long-term or permanent disability are referred by Community Services Offices to GAX.  The GAX program is for those who have a more permanent disability, and for many people GAX is the benefit they qualify for before applying for or while applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (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.

• 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.

• 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

• Information on modifying (changing or reducing) 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 for parents that are incarcerated or recently released to 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?"

Chemical Dependency and Mental Health Treatment
In order to qualify for state treatment services, you need to be eligible for Medicaid (state medical coverage, see above tab on this website).  Those that are eligible for Medicaid (medical coupons) can be assessed at mental health agencies statewide that are contracted through the Regional Support Networks (RSNs), to determine what services might be available.  You can apply for medical coverage for chemical dependency treatment, through ADATSA at your local Community Services Office.

Regardless of coverage, to determine where you should go for assistance to meet your 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. 

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

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.
Click here to see the eligibility guidelines for benefits and download the application packet for adults and children with developmental disabilities

Child Protective and Child Welfare Services
It is very important for parents who are involved in Child Protective Services (CPS) or Child Welfare Services (CWS) to keep in touch with their child's social worker and let them know where you are and what services you are doing.  Social workers need to know your location in order to help you set up court-ordered services, such as visitation with your child or children.  Make sure that you get copies of certificates of participation or completion from each service (class or program) you participated in while incarcerated, and after you get out.  It is also helpful to write down the name and phone number of the teacher or instructor of that class and when you took it so that your participation can be verified.  Remember to also keep in touch with your attorney. If you do not have an attorney for your case any longer, make sure to request one since they are provided free of charge for those who cannot afford lawyers fees.

DSHS Publications has developed several free publications to help families understand how to understand DSHS and Child Welfare, including:  

• "A Parent's Guide to Child Welfare Services,"
• "A Relative's Guide to Child Welfare Services " and
• "Relatives as Parents Program"

 If you have questions about your case even after speaking with your social worker and their supervisor, or if you have forgotten who the social worker is on your child's case, you can call Constituent Relations and ask them for assistance.  Constituent Relations can be reached at: (800) 737-0617.  You can also call with questions about other DSHS services.

 

General Social Services
DSHS developed a guide to services for families affected by incarceration: Beyond the Walls.  This guide is free to download and copies can be requested at no cost (see "Contact" tab below).

Parent Help 1-2-3 and Washington Information Network 211 are great information clearinghouses to find support services and resources for individuals and families.

The Northwest Justice Project provides free legal resources, legal information and self-help materials.  They also provide referrals to low-cost lawyers for other needs.  They also offer a guide on how and in what situations you can clear your criminal record.

Con-nections Online is a non-profit organization providing assistance to ex-offenders.

The Department of Corrections' website has information on their reentry and work release programs.

Offender Reentry and Other Services by County
4People.org is an online resource that lists social services available to ex-offenders and others by county in Washington State.  To find reentry services by county, first click on the county (see map on the website), then click on the box that says "other services" and select "offender reentry."  This will bring up an excel file spreadsheet listing service providers known to be amenable to working with ex-offenders.  This part of the 4People.org website is updated by the Employment Security Department's Offender Employment Services program (OES).  To see the full information in each "box" of the spreadsheet, click your mouse in the box you want to read.

Click here to go to guide listing multiple local social service supports arranged by county.  Please make sure to "click" on the name of your county as well as counties that are nearby, since many local providers serve clients in more than one county (this list still in development).

Housing and Homelessness Resources

View the Washington State Resource Guide, focusing on housing for homeless people with mental illnesses or co-occurring disorders (mental health and chemical dependency issues).  This guide was prepared by Common Ground and DSHS, and updated 10/08. This is a detail-oriented guide and is probably best viewed with a community corrections officer or social service provider so that they can help determine what programs you might be eligible for.

The Washington State Coalition for the Homeless lists homelessness and housing resources by county throughout Washington State.

If you are homeless, go to the Committee to End Homelessness' listing of community services, including shelter assistance and housing referrals.

You can also view a listing of homeless shelters in Washington State and search for food banks and rent assistance programs at the Homeless Shelter Directory.

Common Ground has a listing of housing service programs in Western and Eastern Washington State.

If you are in King County, go to the Seattle Community Network's Seattle Crisis Resource Directory.  It includes health, social services, housing, food and other resources.

Oxford Houses of Washington State lists clean and sober housing for ex-offenders in recovery, and others in recovery across the state

Are you looking for general affordable housing in your area?  Go to housing connections.org or aptfinder.org to look up listings near you.

The Transitional Housing, Operating and Rent program (THOR) provides funding to community agencies to help homeless families find housing.  To see eligibility requirements and connect to a list of providers who work with the THOR program, click here.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Washington State has many resources that may be helpful in finding housing:

• Subsidized apartments: HUD helps apartment owners offer reduced rents to low-income tenants.  To apply, contact or visit the management office of each apartment building listed that meets your needs.  Search for an affordable apartment in this program.
• Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8):  To apply for public housing or Section 8 vouchers (which help pay for housing), contact your local public housing agency (PHA).  Some PHAs have long waiting lists, so you may want to apply at more than one PHA.  If you have a section 8 voucher, your local PHA can give you a list of locations at which your voucher can be used.
• Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA): This program provides funding to local providers who provide housing assistance to low income families and homeless families.  To see eligibility guidelines and access a list of providers that work with the TBRA program, click here.
• Advice and Support: Contact a housing counseling agency.

 

Credit and Utility Assistance
Is it a challenge to find housing due to a low credit score?  You may find help by looking for a local Certified Consumer Credit Counselor.  You can also find credit, housing and bankruptcy counseling online and by phone from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. 
Do you need help paying utility bills?  The following organizations may help you with utility costs:

• Washington State Community Action Partnership.  Partnership agencies have access to utility and weatherization funds for those who qualify. Contact the Partnership agency near you (click on link for list).
• Washington State Utility Companies.  Many companies have emergency programs to help avoid utility shut-offs.  Contact the Utility Company near you.
• Puget Sound Energy (PSE).  PSE has a HELP program to qualified households to lower their utility bills.
• Seattle City Light has an assistance program with discounted rates for those who are disabled, low income, or seniors.
• Tacoma Public Utilities offers payment assistance and discounted rates to those who qualify.
• Avista Utilities provides programs including special payment arrangements, and emergency energy assistance. 
• Clark County Public Utilities provides payment assistance programs for those who qualify.
• Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs (SNAP) provides energy assistance programs to those who qualify.

Housing for Special Populations
(Rural Communities, Veterans, Youth, Domestic Violence and Assault Survivors, People With HIV/AIDS)

• Are you looking for a home in a rural area or county?  USDA's rural housing rental program has a listing of available rental properties listed by county or zip code.

• Are you a veteran?  The Department of Veterans Affairs has housing information and referrals as well as other services for veterans that qualify.

• Are you a youth or young adult?  There are transitional housing programs that can provide housing for young adults from teenagers to those in their early twenties.  Click here to see links to some of these programs.  If you are 13 to 17 years old, you can use overnight youth shelters.  Click here for requirements and a map of providers.  If you are in King County, click here to see a list of transitional housing providers.

• Were or are you in the foster care system in Washington State?  Click here to see the housing and support services available to those who are in the foster care system.  If you have "aged out" of the foster care system you may qualify for the Independent Youth Housing Program which provides rental assistance and case management.  To see eligibility requirements and a contact for this program, click here.

• Do you have HIV/AIDS?  Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) may provide some assistance to you in locating housing.  Scroll down the page and click on "agency contacts" to see contact information for available programs.

Alcoholics Anonymous provides a listing of support groups in your area and across the state, for those in recovery from alcohol addiction.

Narcotics Anonymous provides local meetings for those who are in recovery from addiction.  Go to the website to find a meeting near you.

Cocaine Anonymous provides online and in-person support groups in Washington State for those in recovery from cocaine addiction.

Marijuana Anonymous provides online and in-person support groups for those in recovery from marijuana addiction.

Al-Anon and Alateen Support groups are listed by city and area.

Oxford Houses of Washington State lists clean and sober housing for ex-offenders in recovery, and others in recovery across the state

View a list of National and State Support Groups for those in recovery, family members of those in recovery, those with mental health and other challenges, and those with varied medical conditions.

Teen Alcohol/Drug Help Line, call (800) 722-4222

Alcohol/Drug Help Line, call (800) 562-1240

Sober.com provides an online resource for those in recovery, including discussion blogs.

The National H.I.R.E. Network's aim is to increase employment opportunities for ex-offenders. They provide resources broken down by state (link is to Washington State resources), including employment information and service providers.

The Employment Security Department provides a range of links and resources to ex-offenders who are looking for employment, through their Offender Employment Services Department. They work with local Work Source Centers and affiliated sites, and also provide placement assistance. You can also search for employers by county or area.

View a map of Work Source centers and affiliated sites in Washington State.

Go to the Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) to find out about your rights as a worker, including information on worker's comp (if you are injured on the job).

Do you need vocational retraining? Go to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to see if you qualify for re-training or other job placement assistance. To apply, go to the DVR office near you.
Career OneStop is a national network that lists state job banks and employers by state and area. It also provides links to resume and interview preparation resources, education and training.
In Seattle, the Millionair Club provides day labor as well as meals, eye care, hygiene facilities and social services for homeless individuals.

Have you lost a job? Follow this link to understand the requirements for and apply for unemployment benefits.

Have you recently gotten out of jail or prison?  Are you looking for public and community-based social service providers that might provide some help to re-start your life in your old (or new) home within Washington State?

If so, you may find the information and links on this page useful for you and your family members.  Please click on each link below for further information.  Webpage links and subject "tabs" are underlined and in blue, and clicking on those links or tabs will take you to additional information that you may need.

Welcome back to the community!