All people involved in the criminal court system have the constitutional right to a fair trial. A person charged with a crime must understand the nature of the legal proceedings, including the charges against them, and be able to assist their attorney in their own defense. If it appears that the person has a behavioral health condition that causes either or both of these abilities seem to be lacking, and it appears the person has a mental health condition, a judge may order a competency evaluation to inform the court about the person’s abilities to stand trial. This evaluation will inform the court about the person’s ability to stand trial.
If the court then orders the person to receive competency restoration services, they are screened to determine which of our treatment centers best matches the person’s unique behavioral health needs. The person will be provided either inpatient competency restoration in our facilities (such as Western State Hospital, Steilacoom Unit or Eastern State Hospital) or outpatient competency restoration in state-contracted programs.
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Visitation from Counsel
Attorneys can visit residents at the facilities, by phone or via virtual visitations.
For general, admissions or transport questions for specific individuals, please reach out directly to their competency restoration program.
Treatment provided
Competency restoration services are centered around competency to stand trial, focusing on medication management and education. The treatment addresses the person’s barriers to competency to stand trial.