Programs and services for adults in jail

While in jail

King County offers medical and behavioral health services for adults in jail. People in custody have access to many other activities and services as well. Our goal is for adults in jail to learn new skills and prepare to return to the community. The specific programs available are subject to change. Other activities and services include education, drug and alcohol counseling, recreation, and more.

Health Services

Adults in jail receive medical and behavioral health treatment through Jail Health Services, a division of Public Health — Seattle & King County. If you have concerns about a person's health or medications while they are in custody, contact Jail Health at:

• Email: JHSRequests@kingcounty.gov
• Phone: 206-296-1091 (please leave a voice message)

You must provide the following information:

• The person's name
• The person's booking number
• Your contact information
• What your concern is

To find an adult in jail's booking number, please use the Subject Lookup Tool.

Release planning is available for people who need to connect with behavioral health or medical services when they leave jail.

Education

Adult Basic Education: Adults in jail can take Adult Basic Education or GED preparation. 

High School Completion: Adults who are 18-21 years old can complete a high school diploma. Local public school teachers provide high school instruction where students earn credits toward graduation.

Tutoring Program: Tutoring is available for any active student who needs one-on-one support in their educational program.

Alcohol and substance abuse treatment

Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA): AA and NA volunteers hold weekly group programs in English and Spanish. These programs offer support, sharing, and non-judgmental listening. Free AA and NA reading materials are available by request to adults in jail.

Celebrate Recovery: This is a 12-step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind. The program is Christian-based.

Substance Use Disorder Recovery: Individual and group treatment for substance abuse focuses on learning through experience by confronting the person's values, behaviors, and attitudes.

Vocational programs

King County jails strive to provide career-building opportunities to people in our custody. Examples of past and present vocational programs include:

Job Training: In this program, local nonprofits help adults in jails to learn and practice: 

• Communication
• Interviewing
• Resume writing
• General writing
• How to talk about criminal histories

Linking to Employment Activities Pre-Release (LEAP): The goal of LEAP is to provide adults in jail an opportunity for successful and stable employment after incarceration. The curriculum focuses on employment-related life skills, resume-building, and job searching. LEAP offers participants who have set reentry dates the ability to search for a job and communicate with potential employers before they are released.

Custodial Training Program: This intensive 10-week course teaches adults proper cleaning techniques and professional equipment operation. Students who complete the course will receive a nationally recognized certificate. They also receive resource information, job referrals, and job placement through local partners.

Release Planning: Informational resources to help people with career opportunities after release from jail.

Programs for women

Art Therapy for Women: Women who have experienced sexual trauma can take part in therapeutic art activities to help with expressing and processing difficult feelings.

Creative Writing Skills for Women: This educational program encourages women to use writing as a therapeutic tool. Participants write poems, short stories, and complete other writing exercises to help process traumatic events. 

Celebrate Recovery for Women: This is a 12-step recovery program for women who are struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind. The program is Christian-based.

Programs and services for veterans

Civil Legal Aid Clinic: Veterans can receive legal assistance to help resolve issues such as upgrading their discharge status, benefit adjustments, and other VA-related matters.

The Transforming Power Project: A series of workshops offered in one-on-one, small group, and circle discussion formats to help participants identify what they want for their lives and how to go about achieving their goals.

Hero's Journey Prison Writing Project: This program helps veterans use short story writing to reflect on their lives, transform negative beliefs about themselves into a more positive self-image, and to learn how to take responsibility for their own lives and actions. Participants will also improve their literacy and writing skills. 

Reentry Planning: The Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs (WDVA) partners with other organizations to guide veterans through benefits that will be available to them upon reentry. Veterans can complete the service application before their release.

Stress Relief and Mindfulness Education: In this program, adults in jail learn mindfulness exercises. Participants practice listening to their bodies to manage triggers and reduce stress.

Life Skills: An interactive journaling class designed to assist veterans in developing useful tools for better adjustment to civilian life. By using interactive journaling, participants will be guided toward positive changes.

Incarcerated Veterans Reentry Services (IVRS): Case Managers meet one-on-one with veterans to discuss what their needs will be when they are released. Upon reentry, participants may receive referrals for:

• Mental health assessments and counseling
• Alcohol, drug, and substance abuse treatment
• Domestic violence treatment and support services
• Court advocacy representation
• Transitional and clean/sober housing
• Food and meal vouchers
• Job placement and employment
• Reinstatement of driver’s license

Other programs and services

Parents For Parents (P4P): An outreach service for men and women in jail who also have active dependency cases. Mentoring is available from Parent Allies who have lived experience and have successfully reunified their families. They provide classes and education on the essential information parents need to meet their case plan objectives and navigate the Child Protective Services system.

Recreation: Adults participate in recreational activities such as arts and crafts, card games, puzzles, and access to facility exercise.

Creative Writing Correspondence Program: This program is open to all and is designed to encourage self-expression through writing. Every other week, participants will receive a packet of short stories, essays, and poems along with exercises that prompt them to write their own material. Writers in the program can request books and receive feedback on their work from the program facilitators.

Recreational Reading: Free books are available to adults in both facilities. Books are provided in each housing unit and may also be requested by kite or selected from a book cart that makes regularly scheduled visits.

Sexual health and education: Adults learn about sexual health in a safe and supportive environment. These workshops include presentations, group discussions, and opportunities to ask questions. Topics in this course include safe-sex practices, human biology, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Faith-based groups: DAJD supports the diverse faith-based needs of incarcerated adults. Volunteers provide religious services, religious-based guidance, spiritual support, prayer, and meditation. Further accommodations are available on request.

After release

The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) offers programs, services, and resources to help adults returning to the community after leaving detention. These include:

• Veteran services
• Mental and behavioral health
• Substance Abuse
• Housing and homelessness
• Jobs and education
• Developmental disabilities
• Help from domestic violence
• Legal aid 

DCHS offers Diversion and Reentry Services to help people with behavioral health issues avoid jail and hospital visits. 

Crisis Connections has more information and resources. Call 1-800-621-4636 or 211, or text 211.