‘Needs to be improved’: Report targets gaps in WA’s involuntary treatment system

A statewide task force is calling for changes to Washington’s Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) system, saying the services available before, during, and after civil commitment are under-resourced and unavailable to too many people.

“Individuals who are coming into the system are not getting the care that they need, based on their individual symptoms,” King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion said. “And they aren’t getting adequate care once they’re released that will allow them to avoid coming back into the system.”

The recommendations follow a listening tour with King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion that included Whatcom, Greater Columbia, Spokane, and King counties. The task force included representatives from public defense, Disability Rights Washington, prosecutors, law enforcement, and behavioral health advocacy.

Manion wants lawmakers to invest in WA’s involuntary treatment system

Its final report recommends strengthening the continuum of care before and after civil commitment, matching treatment options to individual needs, and reducing barriers to sharing information and expertise. Manion said the state legislature will also have a role to play.

“We would like our state lawmakers to invest in a database so we can share information. We would also like our lawmakers to invest in a pilot site so that once we learn what works, we can replicate that across our state,” Manion said.

The ITA allows people experiencing acute mental health or substance use concerns to be temporarily committed for treatment. The law’s stated purpose is to provide help in the least restrictive way possible.

“It’s clear that the ITA process … needs to be improved so we have more effective outcomes for the individuals, their families, and our communities,” Manion said.

King County prosecutors handle more than 200 new ITA petitions each week.

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