Basic Needs
Healthcare & Insurance Guide
Learn more about insurance options during and after incarceration including Medicaid / Apple Health, Medicare, private insurance, and organizations that will help you find insurance.
Phones and Internet
Programs helping low-income people access phone and internet service.
Transportation
Options for transportation and reduced public transit far programs.
Education & Employment
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Licensing Guide
You may have read or heard about issues with the country’s supply chain over the last few years. These supply chain issues highlighted the importance of trucking and truck drivers […]
Hairdresser/Cosmetologist Licensing Guide
Pursuing a license in cosmetology or hair design can open the door to several career choices. These careers provide opportunities to both engage with people on a daily basis, and […]
Medical Professional Licensing Guide
Similar to working in education, working as a healthcare professional can be very rewarding and offers a chance to have a real and lasting impact on people’s lives. And, just […]
Real Estate Licensing Guide
A career as a real estate agent can be rewarding personally and professionally. The field offers you the opportunity to constantly interact with new people, learn a variety of interpersonal […]
Private Investigator/Security Guard Licensing Guide
A career as a private investigator or security guard offers the chance to work in a variety of settings, as well as an opportunity to solve unique problems or puzzles. […]
Substance Use Disorder Professionals Licensing Guide
Working as a substance use disorder professional can be a particularly rewarding career for people who have been directly impacted by the criminal legal system, as many have also dealt […]
Education Certification Guide (“Common”/Public Schools ONLY)
Working in education can be tremendously rewarding, whether you are a teacher, paraprofessional, support staff, or bus driver. As an education professional you will have the opportunity to provide lasting […]
Occupational Guides
Learn how a criminal record impacts the ability to join some of the career fields requiring occupational licenses.
Preliminary Application for a Professional License
If you have a criminal record and are concerned that it may prevent you from getting a professional license, you are now able to send a preliminary application to the […]
Employment Legal FAQ
Incarceration can impact your ability to get a job. Learn how to navigate challenges, find a job, and know your rights.
Places to Find Jobs
Local organizations that help people find jobs and online job boards, including those specifically for people who have been incarcerated.
Family & Children
Child Support FAQ
Understand what child support is, how it impacts you, and how to receive support.
Custody, Visitation, and Parental Rights FAQ
Learn about how courts make custody and visitation decisions, how to access your parental rights, and gaining legal support.
Legal Support
Reducing Legal Financial Obligations
If you were convicted of a crime in Washington, you may be eligible for relief from some or all of the legal financial obligations (LFOs) attached to your case(s). The amount of relief you may be eligible for depends on the type of conviction, the types of LFOs assessed, and your financial resources.
Excluded Offenses
Below is a list of ineligible offenses in the vacate statutes. Any of these offenses will not be eligible to vacate, but does not prevent you from vacating other charges, […]
Free/Low Cost Support for Vacating Records
Multiple organizations can help you vacate your record when eligible. (See our other guides for determining eligibility.)
Government Assistance & Financial Support
Blake Refund Check and Social Security Benefits
If you are receiving SSDI or Retirement Benefits, programs that require work and tax payments, a Blake refund check will not put your benefits at risk because these are not need-based programs. However, if you receive SSI benefits, they may be affected by receiving a Blake refund check.
Governmental Programs
Lists of the numerous government programs that can help you with most needs including food, housing, cash assistance, and more.
Government Programs FAQs
Learn about how to navigate getting help with medical, food, and housing supports.
Debt & Finances
Organizations to help with credit, financial assistance, and financial education
Debt & Finances FAQs
Learn about managing debt and checking and repairing your credit.
Healthcare FAQ
This extensive set of questions covers how to find, apply for, and use health insurance, including reduced fee and free options.
Healthcare & Safety
Medical Providers (Clinics, Vision, Dental)
Many organizations provide free and reduced-fee medical services.
Domestic Violence (DV) and Sexual Exploitation
Two sites to help you find organizations helping survivors of domestic violence.
Mental & Behavioral Health
Numerous 24-hour hotlines for immediate support and organizations throughout Washington supporting people with mental and behavioral health services.
Substance Use & Addiction Support
Many organizations and hotlines are available to support you with substance use problems, needle exchanges, and other addiction issues such as gambling.
Housing
Housing Resources
Extensive resources for finding housing as a formerly incarcerated person. Includes many specific organizations providing housing in Washington, including transitional housing.
Housing FAQ
Learn about post-release housing options, help finding and paying for housing, and your rights as a renter.f
Rent & Utility Assistance
Ways to get help with paying rent and utilities along with home weatherization, emergency repairs, and more.
Identification
Driver’s Licenses Guide
Getting a driver’s license can be a critical step toward being able to get to a job, run errands, and travel.
Washington State ID Cards
A Washington State ID card is a card issued by the Department of Licensing (DOL) that serves as proof of identity. A state ID card does not authorize you to drive a car.
Social Security Cards
You will need your Social Security number to get a job, collect Social Security benefits, and access government services, but if you know the number, you do not need to show your Social Security card very often.
Birth Certificate
A birth certificate can usually help you prove your age and citizenship (if you were born in the United States), and is very useful when you are trying to get a state-issued photo ID.
Identity-Specific Supports
American Indian/Alaska Native Resources
Many tribes, organizations, and Washington state offer programs supporting Native American and Alaska Native populations.
Veteran Supports
Help lines, government programs, and private organizations all exist to serve the specific needs of veterans.
Re-entry
Reentry Support
Organizations and programs across Washington state help people successfully return to their communities after incarceration.
Sex Offense Laws
Sex Offense Registration Laws Guide for Visitors
There is no one size fits all approach for sex and kidnapping offense registry laws. Each State and United States Territory is responsible for creating their own sex offense registration […]
A Guide to Washington State Sex Offense Laws
This is a legal guide to help individuals understand Washington State sex and kidnapping offense laws. Both adults and juveniles with certain sex offense convictions have a duty or requirement […]