A Conversation with Janel McFeat, Executive Director of the Washington Statewide Reentry Council

This episode of Justice Speaks continues the series of interviews with individuals who impact the Justice System. In this episode, we interview Janel McFeat, the Executive Director of the Washington Statewide Reentry Council, who has been instrumental in expanding the reentry movement. This episode is sponsored by Reconnect.

Ms. McFeat’s journey in the field of reentry spans 25 years. She began her career working with youth in Washington State and developed and implemented a nationally recognized reentry program for the Port Gamble S’Klallam tribe. Now, as the Executive Director of the Washington Statewide Reentry Council, she aims to bring a restorative approach to reentry on a broader statewide scale.

Janel’s background is rooted in her Native American and Swedish heritage, which instilled in her the importance of listening and storytelling. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and sociology from Pacific Lutheran University. Her passion for justice was ignited at a young age, driving her to address the injustices she witnessed.

Washington Statewide Reentry Council

The Washington Statewide Reentry Council, established in 2016, advocates for laws, investments, and attitudes that improve reentry outcomes and increase public safety by supporting equitable and humane reentry systems. The council is composed of 15 members, including formerly incarcerated individuals, legal professionals, and representatives from community and state-led organizations. They recently adopted a new strategic plan focusing on relationships, expanding the Council’s presence in prisons and jails, and ensuring the voices of the incarcerated are heard.

Restorative Justice

One significant aspect of Ms. McFeat’s work is the integration of Restorative Justice practices. Restorative Justice focuses on repairing harm and creating space for transformation, involving both the person who committed the harm and the person harmed. This approach emphasizes accountability, healing, and the reintegration of individuals into their communities. Her experience as a restorative justice circle practitioner has shown the potential for these practices to reduce recidivism and foster a more humane justice system.

Listening circles, another tool used by the council, gather feedback from the incarcerated about their experiences and needs. These circles help identify key issues such as employment and housing, which are critical for successful reentry. By engaging directly with those impacted, the council can develop more effective strategies to support reentry.

Reentry 2030

The future of reentry in Washington State looks promising with a new endeavor called Reentry 2030 project. This initiative, supported by Governor Jay Inslee, aims to create a human-centered, coordinated, and transparent reentry system. Washington State is one of the few states to embark on this national initiative, which brings together the Reentry Council, Department of Corrections, the governor’s office, state agencies, tribes, and both currently and formerly incarcerated individuals to work towards common goals.

In conclusion, Ms. McFeat’s work with the Washington Statewide Reentry Council highlights the importance of restorative justice and human-centered reentry practices.  We wish to thank Executive Director McFeat for sharing her insights and experiences on Justice Speaks. We also wish to thank Reconnect for sponsoring this podcast episode.

Additional Resource

You can watch this interview by going to the Justice Speakers Institutes’ YouTube Channel or by clicking here.