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Skagit County Mental Health Court
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Skagit County Human Services

Mental Health Court
The Purpose of Mental Health Court
Skagit County Mental Health Court is a collaborative, problem-solving court designed to promote public safety and reduce recidivism among mentally ill offenders through an intensive program of evaluation, treatment and frequent monitoring of compliance. Its goal is to bring stability, sobriety and safety to mentally ill offenders while ensuring the security and well-being of the community.

The Skagit County Mental Health Court program draws on the expertise and cooperation of Skagit County Superior, Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney and Public Defender, public mental health providers, local advocacy and support agencies, and private providers of mental health, substance abuse and ancillary services.

Forms
Form to make initial client referral to Mental Health Court. Word (.doc)
ROI – Eligibility Release of Information for Eligibility Pdf
Order Setting Dates Order Setting Mental Health Court Dates And Conditions Of Participation Pdf
Order to Participate Form Stipulation and Order to Participate in Mental Health Court Pdf



 



Eligibility
Mental Health Court is a voluntary program for offenders who have a mental illness. Persons may be eligible for a suitability evaluation if they fall within the following guidelines.
  1. Adult individuals who have been diagnosed with a DSM-IV Axis I diagnosis.
  2. Adult individuals whose predominant diagnosis is DSM-IV Axis II, or results from brain disorder, developmental disability, or dementia may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
  3. The individual may not have a previous conviction for a serious violent felony offense or sex offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030.
  4. The offender is not currently charged with or convicted of an offense a) that is a sex offense; b) that is a serious violent offense; c) during which the defendant used a firearm; or d) during which the defendant caused substantial or great bodily harm or death to another person.
  5. The alleged criminal behavior must be related to or caused by the individual’s mental illness as supported by a mental health evaluation.
  6. The individual must be considered suitable for, and amenable to, treatment.
  7. The individual must be able to appreciate the consequences of the legal proceedings and the agreement s/he is making with the court.
  8. The individual must reside in Skagit County.
  9. The individual must sign and execute a stipulation as to facts as indicated in the police reports and/or affidavit of probable cause. S/he will be advised that the stipulation will be admitted as evidence of the crime if s/he fails to successfully complete the Mental Health Court Program and is terminated.
  10. An individual initially excluded because of the nature of the charges, may qualify for Mental Health Court if s/he is ultimately charged with a qualifying offense and is otherwise suitable for disposition.

 

  
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