Family Resources

DOC Guide for Family and Friends of Those Incarcerated [1]

• The guide is intended to help you navigate much of the Department, including contacts within family services and relevant facility staff, the reception and daily living conditions for your loved one, how to stay connected throughout the incarceration time, the rules around visitation and sending items to your loved one, and many other useful details.
• Source Page [2]
• Also on Recursos en español page.

Washington DOC Visitation Transportation Assistance [3]

• Western Van Service (WVS) is a locally owned, veteran-run transportation service. They currently schedule round-trip visits to all DOC prison facilities.
• Western Van Service Schedule [4]

Alternative Solutions[5]

• The Alternative Solutions Program is a statewide initiative within the Division of Child Support (DCS) aimed at helping parents toward self-sufficiency. At DCS we put great value on the noncustodial parent’s role in our communities and with their families. While most parents pay their child support, others have trouble meeting their responsibility. Our well-rounded approach to child support services works as a bridge between community groups and the people they help; dealing with issues such as joblessness, housing, medical, legal issues, and transition from jail and prison. The Alternative Solutions Program links parents with government and community groups to increase their ability to get a job and be financially stable.
• Brochure [6]
• Also on Employment and Education page.

Do I still have to pay child support if I am in prison? [7]

• Source 22-423 Do I still have to pay child support if I am in prison? [8]

Washington Defender Association Incarcerated Parents Project [9]

• Washington Defender Association’s Incarcerated Parents Project (WDA-IPP) works with parents, families, allies, indigent defenders, and community advocates to reduce family separation caused by parental incarceration in Washington State because we believe that keeping families together makes children more supported and our communities safer.
• Commonly Asked Questions [10]
• Case Assistance [11]
• Also on Legal Assistance and Literature page.

Responding to Family Actions while Incarcerated [12]

• Are you in jail or prison? Have you been served with legal papers about your family? This memo gives general information about family law actions and how to respond. The topics are: Divorce, Parentage (Paternity/Legal Parent), Parenting Plans, Child Support, Custody, Dependency, Hearings. This memo is not a substitute for legal advice. You may be able to get legal advice about your specific needs from a volunteer attorney or from someone the court appointed to provide you legal advice (see Resources at the end of this memo).
• Source Page [13]

Sesame Street - Little Children, Big Challenges: Incarceration [14]

• The incarceration of a loved one can be very overwhelming for both children and caregivers. It can bring about big changes and transitions. In simple everyday ways, you can comfort your child and guide her through these tough moments. With your love and support she can get through anything that comes her way. Here are some tools to help you with the changes your child is going through.
• Incarceration Guide [15]
• Tips for Incarcerated Parents [16]
• Incarceration Tips for Parents and Caregivers [17]

Divine Alternatives for Dads Services D.A.D.S.

• DADS is a grassroots organization 501(c)(3) that is leading a movement to have an impact on the epidemic of the absence of fathers in America. DADS gives fathers hope by walking together in supportive community, helping navigate relational and legal barriers which separate them from their children and families. Stronger Fathers, Healthier Communities, Our Vision To model healthy relationships as a means of creating healthier fathers and families. To stop the cycle of family violence and brokenness in order to improve the lives of children. To encourage fathers to become agents of change in their communities.
• Services [18]
• Brochure [19]
• Contact [20]
• Also located under King County Resources

Creative Corrections Education Foundation National Children of the Incarcerated (CIPs) Scholarship Program [21]

• On any given day, an estimated 2.2 million children in America have at least one parent in jail or prison The loss of a parent to incarceration can have a significant psychological impact on a child, affect their care and create financial hardship. These children are too often forced to give up their dreams and future due to the bad choices made by their parent(s), not through any fault of their own. Research has shown that CIPs are five times more likely to end up in prison themselves than their peers. Many CIPs have a desire to better themselves and be law abiding citizens - Our mission is to support that desire and break the cycle of generational incarceration through education. To date, we have provided over 147 scholarships to CIPs nation-wide to attend post-secondary school to support their dreams of a successful adulthood and invest in education over incarceration
• Application [22]

Children Impacted By Crime Scholarship Funds [23]

• WriteAPrisoner.com is pleased to announce the establishment of a very important scholarship program to benefit the children of inmates and the children who have been victimized by crime (either themselves or a member of their immediate family.) The Children of Inmates Scholarship Fund and the Children as Victims Scholarship Fund will award annual scholarships to students who are pursuing a college education. While our primary goal has always been to reduce recidivism, we also recognize the importance of prevention – preventing citizens from a life of crime and incarceration. The scholarship program emphasizes this aspect of prevention. Education is a critical step toward a crime-free life. Applications are due between March 1 and June 1.
• Application [24]

The Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program [25]

• WIC is a nutrition program for pregnant women, new and breastfeeding moms, and children under five. Dad, grandparents, and other caregivers of children under the age of five may also sign kids up for WIC. Foster children under age five and foster teens who are pregnant are eligible for WIC. If you or your family member are on Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Basic Food you may be eligible for WIC too.
• Eligibility [26]
• Also on Government Assistance page.