Life as an Offender - Facilities

Get detailed information about a specific facility

Major Institutions

Corrections centers that primarily house maximum, close, and medium custody offenders are referred to as major institutions.

Major institutions emphasize education, vocational training, work assignments, and employment within the correctional facility. All offenders are encouraged to work or participate in basic education, vocational programs, offender change programs (Stress and Anger Management, Moral Reconation Therapy, Partners in Parenting), chemical dependency treatment, mental health, religious or recreation programs, and various civic organizations depending on assessed needs and what is offered at the facility where they reside.

Minimum Institutions

An offender in a major institution typically progresses to a minimum facility when behavior and release date warrant consideration for a custody “promotion.” The focus of a minimum facility is to further develop work ethics through work programs for those offenders who qualify for minimum custody. Generally, an offender in a minimum facility progresses to a community-based work release facility before final release into the community.

Similar opportunities are available to female offenders through the Washington Corrections Center for Women Minimum Security Compound, Pine Lodge Corrections Center for Women, and at work release facilities.

Basic and vocational education programs, chemical dependency treatment, offender change programs, religious and recreation programs are also emphasized.

Out of State Facilities

Due to lack of bed space, the Washington State Department of Corrections has placed some Washington offenders in out of state facilities.

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