The Jail Technical Assistance Program provides informational support to Washington jails in the following areas:
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Pre and post-book options
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Identification of need and access to treatment
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Guidelines for administration of involuntary medication
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Continuity of care
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Use of segregation
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Release planning
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Crisis de-escalation
Our team of expert consultants and trainers may be contacted at jailassistance@dshs.wa.gov
FAQ
What assistance do you provide to jails?
Are you able to provide assistance to organizations other than jails?
Where can I find information about community mental health support?
How do I activate Medicaid for an individual in jail?
How can I learn more about involuntary medication processes for persons in jail?
Where can I find out more about screening and assessment for co-occurring disorders?
How can I transfer an individual (court-ordered) from jail to a State Hospital?
Is training available on Crisis De-Escalation?
How can I make suggestions for training offerings?
What assistance do you provide to jails?
The Jail Technical Assistance Program provides informational support to Washington jails in the following areas: Pre and post-book options, identification of need and access to treatment, guidelines for administration of involuntary medication, continuity of care, use of segregation, transition planning, and crisis de-escalation. Additional training topics may be available. Please check our web page for options. Our team of expert consultants and trainers may be contacted at jailassistance@dshs.wa.gov.
Are you able to provide assistance to organizations other than jails?
The Jail Technical Assistance Program provides informational support and training primarily to jails in Washington. Our training is also available to health care providers who support people with mental health conditions in jail and/or are transitioning into the community.
Where can I find information about community mental health support?
For more information on community support visit the Washington State Health Care Authority website or call 360-725-1500. For additional information, contact jailassistance@dshs.wa.gov.
What do I do if I believe a Trueblood class member in my jail needs expedited admission into a state psychiatric hospital?
DSHS has a process for expedited admission into DSHS facilities for court-ordered competency evaluation and restoration. For more information about this process see the Triage Consultation and Expedited Admission page. You may also contact the Jail Technical Assistance Program at jailassistance@dshs.wa.gov.
How do I activate Medicaid for an individual in jail?
You can start by visiting the Health Care Authority website for help with finding your behavioral health treatment options. You can also call the HCA at 1-800-562-3022.
How can I learn more about involuntary medication processes for persons in jail?
Our team provides informational support and training on this process. Information can be found in our best-practices guidebook and at our training website.
Where can I find out more about screening and assessment for co-occurring disorders?
Our team provides informational support and training on this process. Additional information can be found in our best-practices guidebook and at our Jail Technical Assistance Program website.
How can I transfer a person (court-ordered) from jail to a state hospital?
Transportation is arranged by the hospital or by the restoration treatment facility, in coordination with the jail transportation department.
Where can I find information about funding for training and/or other improvements I would like to make at my jail?
Our program does not provide direct funding, however we are able to provide information on funding sources. Please visit our resources page for further information.
Is training available on Crisis De-Escalation?
Our team provides informational support and training on crisis de-escalation. Additional information can be found in our best-practices guidebook and at our training website.
How can I make suggestions for training offerings?
We welcome any suggestions you may have. Please email us at jailassistance@dshs.wa.gov.