The Behavioral Health Court (BHC) is an optional program. It is not intended to serve every defendant with a mental illness nor is it intended to serve individuals who do not wish to participate.
In order to be eligible the defendant must:
A. Have an open criminal case within the jurisdiction of Kitsap County or contracted cities.
1. Current charges and previous convictions must not be excluded by RCW 2.30.030.
2. Entry into the program requires the consent of the prosecutor.
B. Individuals with a primary or sole diagnosis of a Personality Disorder or Developmental Disorder as defined by the APA DSM V may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
C. If no diagnosis is documented, the defendant will be referred to the community for a mental health evaluation and treatment recommendations.
D. Have a nexus between their mental illness and the behaviors resulting in the criminal charge(s) as determined by BHC staff.
E. Be competent per RCW 10.77.
F. Suitability for participation will also be examined; factors of which include ability to benefit from treatment, amenability to intense supervision, motivation level and therapeutic benefit of program participation.
