Seattle Veterans Treatment Court

The Seattle Veterans Treatment Court is a voluntary, court-monitored treatment program that addresses the mental health and/or substance abuse issues of a veteran defendant. This program is a collaboration between the Seattle Municipal Court, the Seattle City Attorney's Office, King County Department of Public Defense, the King County Department of Community and Human Services, the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Eligibility

1. You must be a veteran, a former member of the United States Armed Forces, who has been discharged honorably or generally under honorable conditions, with at least two years of active duty service. Participants must be eligible for VA Health Care Services.
2. You must meet one of these clinical criteria:
   • Axis I diagnosis as identified in the DSM-IV-TR (Veterans with major mental illnesses may be ineligible and instead referred to Mental Health Court.
   • Experiencing a substance use disorder.
3. You must also:
   • Have a connection between your mental health diagnosis and a criminal charge.
   • Be motivated to make a lifestyle change.

Referral Process and Forms

Requests to participate should be made in writing to: VeteransTreatmentCourt_Team@Seattle.gov

Please attach the following completed forms along with your written request:

VTC Referral Process Screening form

VTC Referral form

VTC Release of Information form

VA Request for and Authorization to Release of Medical Records or Heath Information form

Program Benefits and Resources

Through a combination of structured support, healthcare, and other social service resources provided by the Federal and State Departments of Veterans Affairs, Seattle expects to see a reduction in criminal behavior and an increase in services received for veterans.

Veterans Treatment Court Participants Receive Assistance with VA Benefits Including:

• Mental Health Treatment
• Chemical Dependency Treatment
• General Healthcare
• Housing

Contact Information

Referrals: VeteransTreatmentCourt_Team@Seattle.gov