Community protection program — Less restrictive residential placement.
RCW 71A.12.260
in effect*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 1390-S.SL ) ***
A participant who demonstrates success in complying with reduced restrictions and remains free of offenses that may indicate a relapse for at least twelve months, may be considered for placement in a less restrictive community residential setting. The process to move a participant to a less restrictive residential placement shall include, at a minimum: (1) Written verification of the person's treatment progress, compliance with reduced restrictions, an assessment of low risk of reoffense, and a recommendation as to suitable placement by the treatment team; (2) Development of a gradual phase-out plan by the treatment team, projected over a reasonable period of time and includes specific criteria for evaluating reductions in restrictions, especially supervision; (3) The absence of any incidents that may indicate relapse for a minimum of twelve months; (4) A written plan that details what supports and services, including the level of supervision the person will receive from the division upon exiting the community protection program; (5) An assessment consistent with the guidelines for risk assessments and psychosexual evaluations developed by the division, conducted by a qualified professional. At a minimum, the assessment shall include: (a) An evaluation of the participant's risk of reoffense and/or dangerousness; and (b) An opinion as to whether or not the person can be managed successfully in a less restrictive community residential setting; (6) Recommendation by the treatment team that the participant is ready to move to a less restrictive community residential placement.
A participant who demonstrates success in complying with reduced restrictions and remains free of offenses that may indicate a relapse for at least twelve months, may be considered for placement in a less restrictive community residential setting.
The process to move a participant to a less restrictive residential placement shall include, at a minimum:
(1) Written verification of the person's treatment progress, compliance with reduced restrictions, an assessment of low risk of reoffense, and a recommendation as to suitable placement by the treatment team;
(2) Development of a gradual phase-out plan by the treatment team, projected over a reasonable period of time and includes specific criteria for evaluating reductions in restrictions, especially supervision;
(3) The absence of any incidents that may indicate relapse for a minimum of twelve months;
(4) A written plan that details what supports and services, including the level of supervision the person will receive from the division upon exiting the community protection program;
(5) An assessment consistent with the guidelines for risk assessments and psychosexual evaluations developed by the division, conducted by a qualified professional. At a minimum, the assessment shall include:
(a) An evaluation of the participant's risk of reoffense and/or dangerousness; and
(b) An opinion as to whether or not the person can be managed successfully in a less restrictive community residential setting;
(6) Recommendation by the treatment team that the participant is ready to move to a less restrictive community residential placement.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=71A.12&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026