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About Reentry Centers

Reentry Centers serve as a bridge between life in prison and life in the community. Incarcerated people at Reentry Centers focus on transition, to include finding and retaining employment, education, treatment, reconnecting with family members, and develop life skills. They learn and refine social and living skills to create a smoother transition from prison confinement. Reentry Centers provide people with focused opportunities for success.

Eligibility & Expectations

All incarcerated persons can be referred to reentry centers 30 months prior to their earned release date. An incarcerated person with six months left to serve on their sentence may be eligible to spend those last months in a reentry center, if specific criteria are met. For example:

  • Be assigned 'Minimum 1' custody level, and
  • There must be available bed space at a reentry facility.

An incarcerated person who is approved for Graduated Reentry may transfer to a Reentry Center with twelve months left to serve on their sentence and then transfer to electronic home detention with five months left to serve on their sentence.

Incarcerated people in Reentry Centers must follow all program rules. They must search for and/or retain employment or education. Frequent testing for substance abuse will be administered. Incarcerated persons may leave the facility for work, education, or other specific activities, such as appointments, treatment, shopping, or outings to visit family. Incarcerated people need to continue therapy, treatment, programming, and classes.

Accessing Health Care at a Reentry Center

To help people prepare for transitioning to a Reentry Center we are providing information about how to access health care at a Reentry Center.

Residents at a Reentry Center are expected to access health care providers in the community to meet their needs as there are no medical staff on site at the facilities. We encourage people to maintain medications and medical care as they prepare for transferring to a Reentry Center, so they can continue their care plan with community-based health care services when they arrive. Most residents have either Apple Health or private insurance, and all residents are responsible for their own health care expenses. Those with Apple Health will work with their selected Managed Care Organization. For medications, the Medicaid formulary is utilized.

There are no restrictions on types of medications people can continue while at a Reentry Center. However, there is not a methadone clinic in the area around the Wenatchee Valley Reentry Center and for that reason we recommend that people needing methadone consider a different location. While each Reentry Center can accommodate people who are hard of hearing, visually impaired and those with mobility restrictions, there are limited rooms with wheelchair access. Brownstone Reentry Center does not have wheelchair access to the basement where the laundry and recreation areas are located.

Apple Health Information:

Medicare Information:

Social Security Benefit Information:

Individuals with Disabilities

The Reentry Centers meet applicable American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and DOC policies regarding ADA. We will coordinate with the statewide ADA coordinator prior to the arrival of residents requiring ADA accommodations to ensure the facility has the necessary items. We will ensure the facility continues to meet the accommodated residents' needs during their incarceration.

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Value of Reentry Center Programs

Incarcerated people who complete the reentry program (pdf) are more likely to be successful in maintaining employment, stable housing, and in paying legal financial obligations. Additionally, recent research conducted by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy indicates that reentry programs have a positive cost/benefit impact; in fact, for every dollar spent, $3.82 is returned to the state.

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Resources

Publications

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