What is the Victim/Witness Notification Program?
If you have been a victim or witness of a violent crime or sexual assault, committed by a juvenile offender who is now committed to a Juvenile Rehabilitation Facility in Washington State, you might qualify for victim/witness notification. Knowing where the juvenile who committed the crime is located may help you feel a sense of safety and security.
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, & Families (DCYF) administers a program to inform victims and witnesses of the location in which the juvenile offender is residing and residence location changes that occur while in DCYF's custody.
DCYF will continue notifying victims and witnesses of changes to residence location until the juvenile offender is released from or transfers custody.
Victim/Witness Notification Program Eligible Offenses
- All class A Felonies
- Arson 1st and 2nd Degree
- Assault 1st and 2nd Degree
- Assault of a Child 1
- Assault of a Child 2
- Bail jumping (charged or adjudicated of Murder 1st Degree)
- Burglary 1
- Child Molestation 1st, 2nd and 3rd Degree
- Criminal Attempt, Solicitation or Conspiracy to Commit a Class A Felony or Sex Offense
- Communication with Minor for Immoral Purposes (if second sex offense)
- Dealing in Depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct
- Extortion 1st Degree
- Felony Stalking
- Homicide by Abuse
- Incest 1st and 2nd Degree
- Indecent Exposure (if second sex offense)
- Indecent Liberties (Forcible/non-Forcible)
- Kidnapping 1st and 2nd Degree
- Manslaughter 1st and 2nd Degree
- Murder 1st and 2nd Degree
- Patronizing Juvenile Prostitute
- Rape 1st, 2nd and 3rd Degree
- Rape of Child 1st, 2nd and 3rd Degree
- Robbery 1st and 2nd Degree
- Sending or Bringing into State Depiction of Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct
- Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
- Sexual Misconduct with a Minor in the 1st and 2nd Degree
- Sexually Violating Human Remains
- Statutory Rape 1st, 2nd and 3rd Degree
- Telephone Harassment (felony)
- Unlawful Imprisonment
- Vehicular Assault
- Vehicular Homicide
- Voyeurism
NOTE: In addition to the above offenses, any person specified in writing by the Prosecuting Attorney can participate in the program.
How do I qualify?
To qualify for the program, you must be a victim of one of the crimes listed above, next of kin (closest relative), or the parent/guardian of a minor victim of a violent or sex crime.
People may also qualify for this program if they witnessed the crime and provided legal testimony in a criminal court. In addition, any person identified in writing by the prosecuting attorney is eligible for the program.
You can stay in the program as long as the person who committed the crime is under DCYF supervision. DCYF will notify you before a planned release or transfer. However, if this person escapes, DCYF will call you as soon as possible.
How do I enroll?
To enroll in the Victim/Witness Notification Program, fill out the enrollment form.
How long will it be until I am enrolled?
You will be enrolled in the Victim/Witness Notification Program within two business days after DCYF receives your enrollment form.
If you are concerned about an adult offender in the Washington State Department of Corrections, you may be eligible for a similar program at that agency. For more information, contact the Department of Corrections, Victim/Witness Notification Program at 1-800-322-2201.
Resources
The following county, state, and national victim resources are available:
National
- National Center for Victim of Crime – A non-profit organization that advocates for victims' rights, trains professionals who work with victims, and serves as a trusted source of information on victims' issues.
- VictimConnect - Serves victims of crime anywhere in the United State and its territories, and provides assistance with navigating the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of crime. For assistance, call or text 1-855-4VICTIM (1-855-484-2846).
State
- Crime Victim Resource Directory - Online directory of victim services funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce.
- Crime Victim Compensation - Apply for crime victim benefits to assist with costs associated with violent crime. This may include compensation funding for expenses such as medical bills, loss of financial support, and funeral expenses. This service is provided by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
County
- Victim Support Services - Serves Snohomish, Skagit, and Whatcom County. This non-profit provides free peer support and advocacy for victims of crime.
- Crime Victims Center - Serves Pacific and Grays Harbor County. Provides comprehensive and caring support, including referrals, advocacy, legal information, and court assistance. To reach their 24/7 crisis hotline, call 1-800-435-7276.
