State Department of Corrections Looking to Expand Work Release to North Central Washington

The Washington State Department of Corrections is looking at expanding work release options in North Central Washington for inmates who are returning to their county of conviction.

Director of Engagement and Outreach Jeremy Barclay says there is no work release facility currently in the area.

"The goal of the State, and the Department of Corrections specifically, is to bring that bridge between life in prison and life in the community to those counties that are underserved."

The DOC is meeting with a local advisory group on what that could look like, but they hope to have an additional 50 beds statewide by June. They hope to add 200 beds by June of 2021.

Barclay says the program is for incarcerated people transitioning back into a community.

"Including finding and retaining employment, getting access to treatment programs, re-connecting with family members, developing life skills and generally becoming productive members in the community. They learn and refine social and living skills in work release that creates a smoother transition."

Inmates who reach their release date must be placed in their community of conviction.

Barclay says a study showed that work release has a positive benefit of $4,000 per person who goes through the program.

They had a meeting January 15th to discuss the possible changes, and the concerns, regarding a work release expansion in the area. Another meeting will take place this week.