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 operated by the DSHS Office of Forensic Mental Health Services within the agency’s Behavioral Health Administration. Bringing this facility online was a collaborative effort between both DSHS and parties in the Trueblood et al v. Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (Trueblood) federal court case.
Trueblood is an active lawsuit that challenged unconstitutional delays in competency evaluation and restoration services. As a result of the case, the state has been ordered to provide court-ordered competency evaluation within 14 days and competency restoration services within seven days. Plaintiffs and DSHS have entered into an agreed settlement for contempt which creates an array of services for class members and potential class members.
The capital construction costs for renovation of the facility were paid for through the Federal Court and the renovation was spearheaded by members of the Trueblood Court Monitor team.
“I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who helped make this facility a reality: the Plaintiffs, the Attorney General’s Office, staff throughout DSHS, the Legislature, Governor Jay Inslee, Judge Pechman, her Court Monitor, Dr. Danna Mauch, and many other key partners and stakeholders,” said Dr. Thomas Kinlen, Director of the DSHS Office of Forensic Mental Health Services. “All of these people have worked together over the past 16 months to create a new residential treatment facility for the 30 people who will soon be receiving restoration services.”
This facility will help ensure people awaiting competency restoration services are served timely. For more information about Trueblood Agreed Settlement of Contempt, please visit the agency website.
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