Washington Corrections Center for Women
Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW) in Gig Harbor, Washington, stands as a leading correctional facility dedicated to the rehabilitation and empowerment of female offenders. Since its establishment in 1971, WCCW has been a pillar of support, providing a safe and structured environment for women of different security levels. Let’s explore the comprehensive programs and services offered at this facility, highlighting its commitment to transforming lives.
Facility Overview and Programs
WCCW comprises several units tailored to meet the varying security needs of its inmates. These include the Medium Security Unit, Closed Custody Unit, Segregation Unit, Treatment and Evaluation Unit, Close Observation Unit, as well as the J, K, and L Units, and the Receiving Unit. The facility can accommodate a maximum of 738 female offenders across these units.
One of the key objectives of WCCW is to equip inmates with valuable skills and knowledge. The facility offers vocational training in high-demand fields such as computer-aided drafting (CAD), embroidery, and various construction trades. Through these programs, women can develop marketable skills that enhance their prospects for successful reintegration into society upon release.
Moreover, WCCW understands the significance of education in the rehabilitation process. To that end, it provides adult basic education courses and facilitates GED testing for offenders. By investing in education, the facility aims to enhance the intellectual growth and employability of its inmates, fostering a foundation for a brighter future.
Comprehensive Inmate Support
The holistic well-being of inmates at WCCW is of utmost importance. The facility ensures that all incarcerated women have access to essential medical care, dental treatment, and mental health services. This comprehensive approach to healthcare guarantees that their physical and mental well-being is attended to during their time at WCCW.
Community service plays a vital role in fostering a sense of responsibility and contribution among inmates. Some offenders are assigned to community service crews, engaging in activities such as landscaping, crop harvesting, commissary work, and minor facility repairs. These initiatives not only benefit the community but also provide valuable opportunities for personal growth and development for the incarcerated women.
Additionally, WCCW promotes rehabilitation through various programs facilitated by dedicated volunteers. Inmates can participate in creative writing, meditation, theater groups, craft projects, and substance abuse counseling. These initiatives help foster personal expression, self-reflection, and the acquisition of valuable coping skills, enabling women to overcome their challenges and build a positive future.
The Unique Pet Program
One distinctive feature of WCCW is its innovative pet program, which has garnered praise for its positive impact on both inmates and animals. Through this program, offenders have the opportunity to work with shelter dogs, providing grooming and training services. Once the dogs complete their training, they are made available for adoption, creating a win-win situation for both the dogs and potential adopters. This initiative not only imparts valuable vocational skills but also fosters empathy, responsibility, and compassion among the participants.
Visiting Hours and Contact Information
For individuals wishing to visit an inmate at WCCW, it is important to be familiar with the facility’s visiting hours and guidelines. The following schedule outlines the visitation hours for each unit:
Close Custody Unit
- Fridays: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
- Saturdays: 4:45 pm – 7:30 pm
- Sundays: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
- Mondays: 4:45 pm – 7:30 pm
Segregation Unit
- Fridays: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
- Saturdays: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
- Sundays: 4:45 pm – 7:30 pm
- Mondays: 4:45 pm – 7:30 pm
Treatment and Evaluation Center and Medium Security Unit A Pod
- Fridays: 4:45 pm – 7:30 pm
- Saturdays: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
- Sundays: 4:45 pm – 7:30 pm
- Mondays: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm and 4:45 pm – 7:30 pm
Medium Security Unit B Pod
- Fridays: 4:45 pm – 7:30 pm
- Saturdays: 4:45 pm – 7:30 pm
- Sundays: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
- Mondays: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm and 4:45 pm – 7:30 pm
J Minimum Security Unit
- Fridays: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm and 4:45 pm – 7:30 pm
- Saturdays: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
- Sundays: 4:45 pm – 7:30 pm
- Mondays: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm and 4:45 pm – 7:30 pm
K and L Minimum Security Unit
- Fridays: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm and 4:45 pm – 7:30 pm
- Saturdays: 4:45 pm – 7:30 pm
- Sundays: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
- Mondays: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm and 4:45 pm – 7:30 pm
Reception and Diagnostic Center
- Saturdays: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm and 4:45 pm – 7:30 pm
- Sundays: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm and 4:45 pm – 7:30 pm
- Mondays: 4:45 pm – 7:30 pm
For those seeking to correspond with an inmate via mail, please use the following mailing address:
Inmate Mailing Address: Inmate Name, ID Number Washington Corrections Center for Women 9601 Bujacich Rd. NW Gig Harbor, WA 98332-8300
Should you require additional information or have inquiries, you can reach out to Washington Corrections Center for Women by phone at (253)-858-4200.
H3: Historical Background
The WCCW, located in Gig Harbor, Washington, was established in 1971. Over the years, it has undergone various expansions to accommodate the increasing number of inmates. It’s the only women’s prison in the state that offers comprehensive on-site services.
H3: Mission and Vision
The center is guided by a mission and vision to provide safe, humane, and appropriately secure custody for its inmates. It aims to promote positive change in the lives of inmates, encouraging rehabilitation and successful community reintegration.
H2: Facility Overview
H3: Accommodation and Inmate Capacity
The WCCW is capable of housing around 738 inmates within its main facility, but its total capacity, including the minimum-security unit, exceeds 1,000. The center offers a range of accommodation from high-security cells to dormitory-style units for lower-risk inmates.
H3: Safety and Security Measures
To ensure the safety of both the staff and inmates, the WCCW employs various security measures. The center employs advanced technology, stringent protocols, and well-trained personnel for day-to-day security and to manage potential crises.
H2: Programs and Services
H3: Educational Programs
Education plays a pivotal role in inmate rehabilitation. At WCCW, a variety of educational programs are available, ranging from Adult Basic Education (ABE) to post-secondary courses.
H3: Vocational Training
Alongside education, vocational training is provided to prepare inmates for employment after release. The center offers training in a variety of fields, such as cosmetology, horticulture, and business technology.
H3: Health and Mental Care Services
WCCW provides comprehensive healthcare services including medical, dental, and mental health care. The center also provides programs tailored to meet the unique health needs of female inmates.
H2: Community Involvement
H3: Community Work Programs
In addition to in-facility programs, the WCCW extends its services to community work programs. These allow minimum-security inmates to contribute positively to the community through various service initiatives.
H3: Family and Visitor Services
Recognizing the importance of familial bonds, the WCCW provides special services to facilitate family visits and nurture relationships. They offer flexible visiting hours, video visitation facilities, and even special events for children of inmates.
H2: Future Plans and Aspirations
H3: Inmate Reintegration Efforts
Future plans of WCCW include a heightened focus on reintegrating inmates into society successfully. These efforts include enhancement of rehabilitation programs, support networks, and working with community partners to facilitate job opportunities for inmates upon release.
H3: Technology and Infrastructure Development
In terms of infrastructure, WCCW is looking to integrate more technology into its operations to improve security and efficiency. Plans are in place to upgrade facilities and explore technologies that can aid in inmate education and rehabilitation.
H2: Conclusion
The Washington Corrections Center for Women stands as an important institution in the justice system of Washington State. It’s more than just a correctional facility; it’s a place that nurtures transformation and facilitates personal growth for its inmates. By focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration, the WCCW continues to play a pivotal role in promoting public safety and reducing recidivism. As we move forward, it remains essential to continue supporting these efforts for the betterment of individuals and our society as a whole.
H3: Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the inmate capacity of the Washington Corrections Center for Women?
- The WCCW can accommodate over 1,000 inmates, including those in the minimum-security unit.
- What educational and vocational programs does WCCW provide?
- WCCW offers various educational programs, from Adult Basic Education to post-secondary courses. Vocational training programs include fields like cosmetology, horticulture, and business technology.
- What community work programs does WCCW offer?
- WCCW’s community work programs allow minimum-security inmates to contribute positively to the community through various service initiatives.
- What measures does WCCW take to maintain safety and security?
- WCCW employs advanced technology, stringent protocols, and well-trained personnel to ensure safety and security within the center.
- What are the future plans of WCCW?
- Future plans of WCCW include enhancing inmate reintegration efforts, upgrading facilities, and integrating more technology into its operations.
