Tulalip, Washington

Overview

The Tulalip Healing to Wellness Court is supported by a team of professionals from legal, law enforcement, and treatment agencies.

Admission and Target Population

The referral and screening process is a joint effort by the treatment team. The potential participant meets with designated members to identify whether the individual meets eligibility criteria. The court screens potential participants to determine eligibility within 21 days. A participant’s time begins on the date the pretrial or probation diversion agreement is signed by the judge.

The prosecutor works closely with the defense attorney in negotiating appropriate plea agreements, focusing on accountability, treatment, and rehabilitation. Trained in treatment court philosophies and practices, the wellness court prosecutor and defense counsel communicate with one another and the wellness court team about potential participant case status, and participate in team discussions about any matter which may result in participants receiving incentives or sanctions.

The participant has 14 days from the date of their wellness court appearance to opt out of the program and have all orders withdrawn and/or vacated, except in cases with speedy trial waivers.

Program Structure

The Tulalip Healing to Wellness Court is a five-stage program lasting 15 to 24 months. The average completion time is 19 months.

Tulalip Behavioral Health provides services to the wellness court that include both mental health and substance use treatment. An integrated approach using concurrent providers from both modalities provides participants with increased contact and care.

The program also facilitates an alumni peer mentor network. Mentors are available to assist and guide wellness court graduates after they no longer have the structured environment of the court. It is centered around sober leisure activities and designed to build camaraderie. The alumni peer mentor group meets monthly, is facilitated by the case manager, and chaired by an alumnus. Participants in the third and fourth stages of the program are required to attend the group.