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

Extended Family Visit applications are paperwork-heavy by design. The best way to avoid delays? Start by gathering every required form listed on the Washington DOC Prison Visits EFV page before you submit anything. Think of it like building a complete packet - if a document applies to your situation, include it up front so your application doesn't get kicked back for missing items.

After you submit, your packet moves through several decision points. First, the Headquarters EFV Unit checks that all required information and documents are included. Once complete, it moves to facility review: the packet goes to the facility case manager, then to Health Services for review and recommendations. From there, the Facility Risk Management Team (FRMT) weighs in, and the superintendent (or designee) makes the final call.

Documents to Gather

• ✓ Color copy of a government-issued photo ID (passport)
• ✓ Color copy of a government-issued photo ID (driver license)
• ✓ Color copy of a government-issued photo ID (state ID card)

• ✓ Birth certificate(s)
• ✓ Marriage license(s) and/or state registered domestic partnership certificate(s)
• ✓ Divorce decree(s)
• ✓ Death certificate(s)
• ✓ Adoption papers

Before starting the online application, pull every required form from the DOC Prison Visits EFV page and collect the documents that apply to your relationship and situation. DOC guidance emphasizes using documentation from the appropriate regulatory agency - Department of Health records, court-issued documents - when proving direct lineage through birth, marriage/state registered domestic partnership, or adoption. A complete packet at the start usually means fewer delays later.

1. Go to the Washington DOC Prison Visits EFV page - This is where the EFV requirements and the submission portal are provided.
2. Open the electronic EFV application in the blue box - Use the electronic application listed under “Requirements for Extended Family Visiting (EFV).”
3. Complete DOC 21-415 (Extended Family Visit Application/Acknowledgment) - Fill it out carefully, matching your supporting documents.
4. Submit DOC 21-415 through the electronic application - Your application must be submitted through that blue-box electronic application once you’ve gathered the necessary documents.

Once submitted, the Headquarters EFV Unit reviews your packet for completeness - making sure the required information and documents are actually there. If something's missing, they'll reach out. When an email address is on file, communication comes by email, so keep an eye on the inbox you used. Check spam and junk folders if you're waiting on a message.

After Headquarters confirms the packet is complete, it moves into facility review. The case manager receives it first, then forwards it to Health Services for review and recommendations. Next, the Facility Risk Management Team (FRMT) reviews everything. After FRMT, the superintendent/designee makes the final decision.

Some EFV packets require an extra screening step through an EFV Review Committee. This kicks in automatically for certain convictions - specifically listed sex offenses and Serious Violent Offenses as defined in RCW. If this applies to your situation, expect an added layer of review before a final decision.

If your packet is missing anything, the Headquarters EFV Unit will reach out so you can submit what's needed (email is used when it's on file). If your packet clears review, it moves from Headquarters to the facility case manager, through Health Services and FRMT, then to the superintendent/designee for a final decision. After that, the packet returns to the EFV Visit Unit, and the facility handles next steps from there.