History
Prior to the 1970s, state correctional facilities were managed by the Washington Department of Institutions. Governor Daniel J. Evans consolidated the Department of Institutions, Department of Public Assistance & Vocational Rehabilitation, and other related departments into the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in the 1970s.
On July 1, 1981, the Washington State Legislature transferred the administration of adult correctional institutions from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Adult Corrections to the newly created Washington State Department of Corrections as part of the 1981 Corrections Reform Act (pdf).