To read archived news releases, please choose the appropriate year below:
Aug 28 2019
DSHS Office of Communications, Kelly Von Holtz, 360-902-7739
OLYMPIA – The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Behavioral Health Administration’s Office of Forensic Mental Health Services has launched a new jail technical assistance program that provides information and training support to Washington jails when they have someone with mental illness in custody.
Specific areas of these supports include pre and post-booking diversion options ...read the full news release
Aug 27 2019
DSHS Office of Communications, Kelly Von Holtz, 360-902-7739
OLYMPIA—Today, Aug. 28, the Department of Social and Health Services accepted its first patient at the Fort Steilacoom Competency Restoration Program located in the west wing of Building 27 at Western State Hospital.
This new residential treatment facility provides court-ordered, competency restoration treatment services using evidence-based practices with a trauma informed and person-centered approach to care.
This facility is staffed and ...read the full news release
Aug 26 2019
DSHS Office of Communications, Adolfo Capestany, 360-902-8007
Port Townsend, WA – The Department of Social and Health Services’ Port Townsend offices are relocating on Aug. 29 and 30 from Sheridan Street to Evergreen Plaza at 2507 Evans Vista, Port Townsend, WA 98368. The new office is easy to find, energy efficient and features a welcoming lobby to serve Jefferson County clients as well as day lighting for all workspaces and collaboration ...read the full news release
Aug 12 2019
DSHS Office of Communications, Lisa Copeland, (360) 902-7844
OLYMPIA - The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is terminating a supported living provider contract because of a number of incidents at one of their Spokane residential programs.
Over the past several months, Aacres Spokane received several citations from Residential Care Services ( ...read the full news release
Aug 07 2019
DSHS Office of Communications, Kelly Von Holtz (Stowe), 360-902-7739
OLYMPIA-A U.S. Federal Court has dismissed the Ross, et al. v. Lashway et al case after the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) demonstrated it has greatly improved policies and allowing patients found not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) a better chance of success once they are approved to leave either of the state’s two adult, psychiatric ...read the full news release
