ISRB Victim Services

The Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB or Board) supports victims' rights listed in RCW 7.69.010 The Board makes sure victims and survivors may make a statement during release/parole proceedings for inmates under the Board's authority. Victims and survivors of ISRB cases can expect:

If you are a victim or survivor of a crime that falls under the authority of the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB or Board), our Victim Liaison can help you. We know sharing can be confusing, stressful and upsetting. You may be afraid for your safety. You may be unsure about what may happen next. The more information you have about your case, the more comfortable and less anxious you will feel.

If you need to talk, have questions, or are confused, please contact the ISRB Victim Liaison.

Ellen Hanegan-Cruse
4317 Sixth Avenue SE
PO Box 40907
Olympia, WA 98504-0907
(360) 493-9276 or Toll Free 1-866-948-9266
Or Email the ISRB Victim Liaison

Services Offered

The Victim Services office of the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB or Board) offers a range of services. The ISRB Victim Liaison is available to help and assist victims, survivors and concerned citizens with cases at the ISRB. Victim Services can help with:

  • Case status
  • Receiving notifications of hearings and ISRB release decisions
  • Making a statement to the ISRB to consider in its release decision
  • The ISRB process for parole and release decisions
  • Location of offenders
  • Programs that offenders can participate in while incarcerated
  • Safety planning
  • Witness fees, if subpoenaed to testify
  • Crime Victim Compensation assistance
  • Counseling referrals
  • Date of release and offender release plans (when found releasable)

Victim Confidentiality

The Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB or Board) is a government agency. All government agencies must obey the state's Public Records Act. The Public Records Act requires agencies to make available for public inspection and copying any document the agency uses to do their work. This is something you should consider when you make a victim impact statement to the Board.

Washington State law and recent court decisions have actually set guidelines for the ISRB to follow. These guidelines help us protect a victim's identity and still comply with public disclosure laws. If you request confidentiality, the ISRB:

  • Will not make your original statement available for inspection
  • Must, however, in line with court rulings, give the offender a summary of what you said

Request for Confidentiality

You may request confidentiality for the statement(s) you provide to the Board by using the Confidentiality Request form. When the ISRB sends you a notice of an upcoming hearing, we will include a copy of the confidentiality request.

Washington State Constitution

Article I, SECTION 35 VICTIMS OF CRIMES -- RIGHTS. Effective law enforcement depends on cooperation from victims of crime. To ensure victims a meaningful role in the criminal justice system and to accord them due dignity and respect, victims of crime are hereby granted the following basic and fundamental rights.

Upon notifying the prosecuting attorney, a victim of a crime charged as a felony shall have the right to be informed of and, subject to the discretion of the individual presiding over the trial or court proceedings, attend trial and all other court proceedings the defendant has the right to attend, and to make a statement at sentencing and at any proceeding where the defendant's release is considered, subject to the same rules of procedure which govern the defendant's rights. In the event the victim is deceased, incompetent, a minor, or otherwise unavailable, the prosecuting attorney may identify a representative to appear to exercise the victim's rights. This provision shall not constitute a basis for error in favor of a defendant in a criminal proceeding or a basis for providing a victim or the victim's representative with court appointed counsel. [AMENDMENT 84, 1989 Senate Joint Resolution No. 8200, p 2999. Approved November 7, 1989.]

Current Legislative Bills Regarding ISRB Victim Services

HB 1281- Victims Rights - This legislation has been signed by Governor Gregoire and became effective 7/26/09.

Washington Crime Victims' Bill of Rights

Child Victims' Bill of Rights

Crime Victims' Bill of Rights-Dependent Persons