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How to Apply for an Extended Family Visit (EFV) — step-by-step for WCCW families

EFV applications have a lot of moving parts. Delays usually come from missing paperwork or submitting the wrong way. Use the checklist and steps below to put together a complete packet and avoid restarting your timeline.

• 3 min read • doc.wa.gov
How to Apply for an Extended Family Visit (EFV) — step-by-step for WCCW families

Eligibility Checklist

  • ✓ The incarcerated individual has served at least 6 months in a Washington DOC prison facility.
  • ✓ You (the visitor applicant) have visited at least 6 times total, including at least 1 in-person visit, within the last 12 months.

Note: EFV participation is a privilege with the strictest screening requirements. These exist to protect incarcerated individuals, their loved ones, and facility safety.

Before you start the application, gather documents proving your immediate family relationship. DOC requires verification from the appropriate agency (like the Department of Health or a court). The documents must show direct lineage through birth, marriage/state registered domestic partnership, or adoption.

Applying with a minor? Plan ahead for consent paperwork. Both parents listed on the child's birth certificate must provide written, notarized consent on DOC 20-441 (Parent/Guardian Consent for Minor Visit and/or Escort). If a parent has lost parental rights, DOC requires court documents instead of the DOC 20-441 form.

DOC's EFV materials direct families to submit the DOC 21-415 Extended Family Visit Application/Acknowledgment through the electronic link in the blue box under "Requirements for Extended Family Visiting (EFV)" on their website. If you can submit electronically, that's the method DOC highlights.

A separate DOC FAQ lists a mail-in option. If you're submitting by mail, send it to: Department of Corrections, Attn: EFV Application, PO Box 41118, Olympia, WA 98504-1118.

Note: DOC materials show both electronic submission and a mailing address for EFV applications. Before sending your packet, confirm the current method with the Family Services Team (docFamilyServicesUnit@doc.wa.gov) so your application doesn't get delayed.

Once you submit, the Headquarters EFV Unit reviews your packet for completeness. If anything's missing, they'll reach out - usually by email if you provided one.

  1. Wait for the packet to be marked complete - once Headquarters confirms your packet has everything needed, it moves forward for facility review.
  2. Case manager review begins - the packet is sent to the facility case manager.
  3. Health Services review happens in parallel - the case manager sends the packet to Health Services for their review and recommendations, and the case manager’s review normally starts around the same time.
  4. FRMT meets to discuss the request - the Facility Risk Management Team (FRMT) convenes to review the EFV request.
  5. Superintendent/designee makes the decision - after the FRMT process, the Superintendent/designee decides.

Build extra time into your expectations. DOC says EFV applications may take more than 12 weeks to process. You can only submit one application per year.

Denied and want to appeal? The review takes about 30–45 business days, and the decision is final. If your appeal is denied, you can reapply one year from that denial date.

Common Mistakes

  • ✓ Don’t submit more than one EFV application. Additional applications void the previous one and restart processing timeframes.

Two avoidable problems slow families down most: missing items and duplicate submissions. If your packet isn't complete, the Headquarters EFV Unit will reach out (often by email) and your review stalls until everything's in. Submitting a second application while one is pending? The new one voids the old and restarts your timeline. Take an extra minute to confirm everything's complete before you submit.

Need help or want to confirm the right submission method? Email DOC's Family Services Team at docFamilyServicesUnit@doc.wa.gov. Have the applicant's name, the incarcerated person's DOC number, and your submission date ready so staff can find your file.

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How to Apply for an Extended Family Visit (EFV) at Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW)

EFV applications stall for one simple reason: missing paperwork. Gather the right documents first, submit the DOC 21-415 through Washington DOC's electronic EFV application, and your packet has the best chance of moving smoothly through review.