Visiting Help & Support

The correctional system, with all of its rules and processes, can be challenging to understand without assistance. This page is intended to bridge that gap by providing information, connection to services and assistance in finding visiting help and support resources.

Appeal Process

A visitor may appeal an initial visit application, denial visit privilege restrictions/suspensions/terminations, and/or Visit Multidisciplinary Team decisions in writing to the Headquarters Correctional Program Administrator. A written decision will be mailed through the USPS when email is not an option for notification to the visitor.

See DOC 450.300 Visits for Incarcerated Individuals (pdf) for more information.

Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP)

The Washington State Department of Corrections recognizes the significance of visits and supports family friendly programs that focus on strengthening the relationship between incarcerated individuals and their loved ones. Studies show that a strong familial relationship and support system reduces recidivism, reduces the likelihood of intergenerational incarceration, and increases the likelihood of a successful reentry into the community upon release, thus creating safer communities.

Visiting a loved during their incarceration can present a financial burden on families, especially for those who have a significant distance to travel. The Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP) was developed to help reduce that burden and may assist those who travel over 150 miles (one way) to visit their loved one.

Qualifying applicants may request up to TWO $50 reimbursements to assist with the cost of transportation and/or a hotel stay when visiting their loved on.

Many families are not able to make the trip to see their incarcerated loved one due to the financial burden that it creates. In an effort to make this more affordable for families, the Department of Corrections has created the Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP) which will reimburse qualifying applicants in the amount of $50.00 towards the cost of either a hotel stay or gas purchase for qualifying applicants who travel over 150 miles to visit the facility. This program is contingent upon available IIBF resources.

For questions or assistance with Lodging and Transportation, please contact the Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program (email).

Program Guidelines

Up to two requests for reimbursement may be made per incarcerated individual per month. Applications will be recognized on a first come first served basis.
Please apply at least 10 days in advance to allow time for processing of application.
Reimbursements are for up to $50 toward your hotel stay, or up to $50 gas reimbursement.
Receipt must be presented for reimbursement. Bank statements and/or screenshots will not be accepted.
Having a hotel/motel reservation does not serve as exception or give precedence to participate in special events.
If reservation is cancelled or visitor does not show for an existing reservation, the visitor is fully responsible for any costs charged as agreed upon with the designated hotel/motel when reservation was made.
Visitor will be denied future use of funding assistance if misuse is determined.

Qualifying Criteria

Those who meet the following criteria will be approved to participate in the program:

Must travel over 150 miles each direction to visit your loved one
Address must be current with the Visitation Program. To update your address, email the Statewide Visit Unit
Must have current photo ID with matching address
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and on the incarcerated individual’s approved visit list

Required Documentation for Reimbursement

Receipt must be presented for reimbursement. Bank statements and/or screenshots will not be accepted.

A hotel receipt must be on letterhead from the hotel, and must show the location, name, date, and amount paid.
A gas receipt must clearly show that gas/fuel was purchased, the vendor, location, amount paid, and the date.

How to Apply

Complete and submit the Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program Application for Reimbursement(msword) identifying the date you will be visiting.
Once approved, you will receive an email confirmation.
Make sure you get copies of the hotel or gas receipt to turn in following your visit.