The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

Washington Protection and Advocacy System

Legal resources, publications and information for persons with disabilities and their advocates

Washington Advocates for the Mentally Ill

Useful information for mentally ill clients, family support groups, library materials on mental illness, resources for teens and ethnic communities and more

Mental Help Net

General information on mental health disorders, search for journal articles, news and resources on mental health issues

The Washington Institute for Mental Illness Research and Training

Research projects and publications on mental health issues and offenders

Reports and Publications

Mentally Ill Offender Community Transition Program, 12/2002

This 38 page report submitted to the legislature by DSHS, DOC and the King County Regional Support Network reports on the 5 year pilot project authorized by RCW 71.24.460. Participants are screened and referred by DOC and transferred to one of four facility launch sites pre-release. They receive intensive post-release services. Preliminary findings are that felony recidivism for participants is half of the comparison group which did not receive services.

Bazelon Center Report on the Role of Mental Health Courts, 1/2003

This 18 page downloadable report published by the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law examines the use of mental health courts around the country and makes suggestions for policy reform.

Criminal Justice/Mental Health Consensus Project

A lengthy report supported by the Bureau of Justice Assistance with recommendations to improve the criminal justice system's response to people with mental illness. Guided by a steering committee of six organizations, and advised by over 100 of the most respected criminal justice and mental health practitioners in the United States, the Consensus Project provides concrete, practical approaches that can be tailored to the unique needs of communities.