Therapeutic Court

Franklin County Therapeutic Court serves individuals struggling with substance use disorders and/or mental health issues. This court is voluntary, specialized, treatment-oriented, and reframes the traditional legal process. There is an emphasis on accountability and intensive monitoring. Therapeutic Court is for defendants charged with misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, or felonies in Franklin County which were a result of substance use or mental health issues. This program includes a felony track which is approximately 16.5 to 24 months and a misdemeanor track that is approximately 12 to 24 months (exact program length is based on individual progress). Therapeutic Court provides treatment, access to resources, support, and rehabilitation.

Participants are required to participate in treatment, perform community service, make regular court appearances, meet with their case manager frequently, and are monitored closely for program compliance. The Therapeutic Court team works collaboratively with community providers to better support each participant in reaching their goals.

Referrals are being accepted on an on-going basis. Referrals should be faxed or emailed to the Therapeutic Court Coordinator (contact information listed on this page). They can also be delivered to the Therapeutic Court office or the District Court window. All referrals will be screened for eligibility. If legally eligible, the defendant will be contacted by the Therapeutic Court Coordinator to schedule a screening appointment. The Therapeutic Court team will then make an admission determination, informing the defendant and their attorney of the outcome.

To be eligible for Therapeutic Court an individual’s primary diagnosis should be a substance use disorder and/or a severe and persistent mental health disorder.

Charges that would make an individual ineligible for Therapeutic Courts per RCW 2.30.030 include:

  • Individuals who are currently charged or who have been previously convicted of a serious violent offense or sex offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030.
  • Individuals who are currently charged with an offense alleging intentional discharge, threat to discharge, or attempt to discharge a firearm in furtherance of the offense.
  • Individuals who are currently charged with or who have been previously convicted of vehicular homicide or an equivalent out-of- state offense.
  • Individuals who are currently charged with or who have been previously convicted of: An offense alleging substantial bodily harm or great bodily harm as defined in RCW 9A.04.110, or death of another person.

This is not an exclusive list of exclusionary criteria. Please review the participant handbook or contact a member of the Therapeutic Court team for more information.

Documents for Prospective Participants

Referral Packet (PDF)
Eligibility Criteria (PDF)                                                                                                                                    Spanish Therapeutic Court Participant Handbook (PDF)
Therapeutic Court Participant Handbook (PDF)

Documents for Admitted Participants

Change in Contact Information Form (PDF)
Travel Request Form (PDF)
Community Service Timesheet (PDF)
Community Service Opportunities (PDF)
Appointment Log (PDF)
Self-Help Meeting Log (PDF)