By JC Medina
The Thurston Board of County Commissioners officially proclaimed May as Therapeutic Court Month.
During its meeting on Tuesday, May 6, the board recognized the life-changing impact of specialized courts, such as drug court, mental health court and veterans court.
Prosecuting Attorney Jon Tunheim highlighted the historical roots of the courts, tracing them back to Miami-Dade County, Florida, in the early 1990s.
Tunheim said Thurston County was an early adopter of therapeutic courts, beginning with drug court.
Over time, its programs have expanded to include family treatment court, safe babies court and community court.
Tunheim will be presenting at the upcoming national drug court conference in Florida, a major gathering of therapeutic court professionals from across the United States.
During the presentation, Deputy Prosecutor Rosemary Fitzgerald described her personal experience working in a drug court.
“I have someone today who is excited for his graduation. He has brand new shoes fresh in the box,” she said. “But I also have someone who’s struggling to get their kids to day care and make it to court on time.”
Fitzgerald also thanked the board for the recognition and support for the programs, adding that “we could not do what we do without this commission.”
Program Manager for Mental Health and Veteran Court Alex Ross said the proclamation’s timing could not be better because “this month, District Court celebrates the 20th anniversary of our mental health court and the 16th anniversary of our veterans court.”
“This work is not just a diversion program, it’s a lifesaving alternative,” Ross emphasized.
The courts prioritize long-term recovery, stable housing, employment and family reunification over punitive measures.
“We seek progress, not perfection,” Ross said. “With the right structure, treatment and support, people who were once cycling through jails and hospitals are now building meaningful lives.”
Commissioner Tye Menser, who said he has attended multiple drug court graduations, remarked on the emotional weight of these events.
“I didn’t make it through any of them with a dry eye,” he said.
IndigenousWoman57
This is nice to hear, however, if you have had a loved one in the system who has mental health issues "nice" does not cover the horrid treatment of individuals who need mental health attention; excuse is waiting time for entrance to a facility. Resulting in your loved one in SOLITARY CONFINEMENT while jailers lack respect and education on severe mental health triggers, resulting in abuse. So ya, celebrate! Not!
Thursday, May 8 Report this
WendyS64
A real shame people think corrections staff should be able to serve as mental health staff while also doing their jobs which is to keep people safe & maintain peace. If you are a family member and you know you have someone in your family in need of medication & therapy, do the entire community & your loved one a favor & get your loved one on a schedule & stick to it. Don't make excuses & blame others. It's not up to anyone else to fix or take care of your loved one- you do it. The jail is not a mental health facility.
Thursday, May 8 Report this