EXTENDED FAMILY VISITATION

The Extended Family Visitation (EFV) Program is the most successful program ever conceived and implemented for the preservation of families, rehabilitation and prevention of recidivism.

In recognition of the benefits of the EFV program the state legislature enacted RCW 72.09.490 Policy on Extended Family Visitation. The statute requires the DOC to establish a uniform policy on the privilege of EFV. In addition, the legislature defined the parameters of EFV as “an authorized visit between an inmate and a member of his or her immediate family that occurs in a private visiting unit.” See RCW 72.09.015(11). Within the same statute the legislature also defined “immediate family” as “the inmate’s children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings and a person legally married to or in a registered domestic partnership with an inmate.” See RCW 72.09.015(14)

In response to RCW 72.09.490 the DOC developed DOC 590.100 – Extended Family Visitation. The stated purpose for the program is to provide eligible prisoners the support needed to mantain relationships with authorized family members to maintain or to build sustainable relationships and to provide an incentive to maintain positive behavior and attitude while incarcerated. See DOC 590.100 Policy (I).

The following issues are addressed: (I) Application/Approval process and (II) Denial/Suspension.

I. Application/Approval

A. Please go to: doc.wa.gov and carefully review DOC Policy 590.100 Directive (III). Next, have the prisoner request a copy of an EFV packet from his/her assigned counselor, ensuring all the relevant forms are provided. After receipt of the application, complete the following:

(1) Prisoners must complete the EFV Application form, DOC 21-414 and an EFV Action form, DOC 21-417. See DOC 590.100 Directive (IV).

(2) Visitors must complete the EFV Application form, DOC 21-415 Consent to Medical Treatment and Waiver of Liability form, DOC 20-279 and EFV Orientation form, DOC 21-665. See DOC 590.100 Directive (IV).

(3) Parents of a prisoner need to provide a certified or notarized copy of the prisoner’s birth certificate. Stepparents need a certified or notorized copy of your marriage certificate. See DOC 590.100 Directive (III)(B).

(4) Siblings of a prisoner need to provide a certified or notarized copy of your birth certificate. See DOC 590.100 Directive (III)(B).

(5) Visitors with minor children must send the original birth certificate to the prisoner’s assigned counselor for copying – the counselor will return the original birth certificate to you. See DOC 590.100 Directive (IV)(B).

(6) Spouses of a prisoner need to provide a certified or notorized copy of your marriage certificate. See DOC 590.100 Directive (III)(C).

(7) Please make two copies of the entire EFV packet (one copy for your personal file and the other for mailing to the facility), with a cover letter addressed to the prisoner’s assigned counselor, listing all documents sent. Mail the EFV packet by first-class, certified mail. The certified mail will provide you proof of receipt by the facility. You can go to USPS.com, Track and Confirm, for free conformation/proof of receipt. This is crutial because sometimes staff play games, such as:

(a) You’re informed that one of the forms is missing from your packet, despite the fact that your packet was complete when you mailed it. If this occurs, simply make a copy of your file copy and mail it to the facility superintendent explaining the situation, asking that he/she ensure your packet is properly processed.

(b) You’re informed that one of the birth certificates or a marriage certificate is missing from your packet, despite the fact that your packet was complete when mailed. If this occurs, simply make a copy of your file copy and mail it to the facility superintendent explaining the situation, asking if there is an identity theft ring operating within his/her facility, requesting that he/she ensure your packet is properly processed.

(c) You’re informed that the entire EFV packet is missing! Simply follow the directions for subsection (b) above.

B. If you or the prisoner do not receive notification of approval within 20 business days contact the prisoner’s assigned counselor. If you are not satisfied with the response, then go to David’s Heart Part VIII Accountability Act and follow the instructions.

II. Denial and Suspension

A. If you receive notice of a denial or suspension of your EFV privilege (See DOC 590.100 Directive (V)), the following is advised:

(1) Submit a Public Records Request to the DOC Public Records Unit (See David’s Heart Part IX Public Records Act) requesting a copy of all emails, incident reports, behavior reports/log entries, incident reports, confidential information reports, OMNI entries and any other documents which discuss the reason for the denial/suspension 

(2) After receiving all relevant records write an appeal supported by the evidence you’ve obtained to the superintendent at the facility where the denial/suspension occurred, stating the facts: who, what, when and where. It is extremely important to include how the denial has personally impacted you and/or your children, requesting the superintendent approve/reinstate the privilege depending on the course of action taken by the facility. See 590.100 Directive (VI).

B. If the appeal is denied, then appeal to the secretary of DOC following the instructions provided in David’s Heart Part VIII Accountability Act.

I can be reached for comment at: davidsheart342@gmail.com

Michael Holmberg
DOC #741372