Page 28 - 2024 March April Magazine

Court launched their formal Mental Health Court and now holds this court Wednesdays at 10:30am in Courtroom 234 in the County-City Building.
Therapeutic Courts
By Presiding Judge Drew Henke and Judge Dee Sonntag, Tacoma Municipal Court
While all courts aim to reduce criminal behavior, Therapeutic Courts take a unique approach to target the root cause(s) that led to an individual’s offense. Therapeutic Courts connect participants with treatment services and community resources instead of traditional sentencing, such as jail or fines. In Therapeutic Courts, an interdisciplinary team of judges, attorneys, coordinators, case managers, treatment providers, law enforcement personnel
and peer support staff work together with the participant to develop an individual plan for recovery and success.
The Tacoma Municipal Court has two Therapeutic Court programs. These programs are voluntary
and upon successful completion of the program the criminal charge(s) are dismissed. Prior to entry, all potential participants complete a risk-need assessment. The Tacoma Municipal Court is using the Criminal Court Assessment Tool (CCAT) because this risk- needs assessment tool is not only geared towards low level offenses, but it also predicts an individual’s risk
of re-offending, while also screening for important needs that should be targeted to reduce risk, including: education, employment, housing, substance use, criminal thinking, mental illness, and trauma. The payment of restitution to the victim(s) is a graduation requirement. Otherwise, there is no cost to participate in our Therapeutic Courts.
Mental Health Court
Tacoma Municipal Court has had a designated mental health calendar since 2015. This calendar was created to help support justice-involved participants who had RCW 10.77 competency proceedings and/or needed additional support related to their mental health condition. In June 2023, Tacoma Municipal
The mission of Mental Health Court is to build a stronger
and safer Tacoma. Mental Health Court serves community members with mental health diagnoses who are at risk of repeat criminal offenses. We use a holistic approach that promotes well-being, independence, accountability, and safety in our community.
To be eligible for Mental Health Court a potential participant must have a diagnosis of a serious mental health condition documented by a mental health professional. Examples of qualifying diagnoses include schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, and/or major depressive disorder. There must be a nexus between the mental health diagnosis and the behavior that led to the criminal charge(s).
Eligible participants enter a 12-month Stipulated Order of Continuance (SOC). Whether participants are in Track A or Track B, they will receive comprehensive case management assistance and referrals to any needed services, such as mental health treatment, substance use disorder treatment, housing resources, social security navigation, insurance enrollment, employment/education programs, and more.
Community Court
Tacoma Municipal Court launched their Community Court program in October of 2023. Designed for a broad group of individuals facing significant life challenges such as housing needs, substance use disorder, minor mental health conditions, unemployment, and more. This model is held out in the community in a neutral and approachable setting. Community Court is currently being held at the Center for Dialog and Resolution at 717 Tacoma Ave S. Tacoma, WA 98402 on Thursdays at 1:30pm.
The Community Court mission is to build a stronger and safer Tacoma. This model will promote increased accountability and personal growth by connecting community members to needed health and social services. Individuals who are charged with misdemeanor offenses are often dealing with significant life challenges such as education barriers, food insecurity, housing instability, mental health concerns, limited job opportunities, substance use disorder, and trauma. In Community Court, we utilize a collaborative and problem-solving approach that brings together case management, community partnerships, and treatment providers to reduce recidivism and increase overall independence and rehabilitation.
There is a presumption of admission for justice-involved potential participants dealing with significant life challenges. This presumption must meet all the therapeutic court requirements under RCW 2.30.030(3). There are certain charges that will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis: DUI, Physical Control, Domestic Violence Offenses, and Unlawful
28 PIERCE COUNTY LAWYER | March/April 2024