Justice Programs

Nearly half of people in the Kitsap County Jail are living with a mental health disorder. And many people involved with the justice system have lived with trauma and crisis all their lives. To help break the cycle, we work closely with jail staff, attorneys, prosecutors, courts and service providers to help justice-involved community members re-enter society.

Jail-Based Services

Support to help people transition from the county jail back into society:

  • We provide intakes into KMHS services at the jail to reduce the time between a person’s release and their first appointment with a clinician.
  • Our Peer Pathfinder helps people in jail create a re-entry plan and then provides transportation, logistical support, mentorship and advocacy. Peers use their lived experience with mental health and/or substance use disorders to support recovery for others.

Behavioral Health Court

Kitsap County’s Behavioral Health Court is a voluntary, treatment-based program. It’s for people whose criminal charges are linked to serious mental illness.

Two KMHS clinicians work with the court to:

  • Determine if defendants meet program requirements
  • Connect participants to services as needed
  • Help people manage their mental illness to avoid future arrests and/or jail time

Drug Court

Kitsap County Drug Court is a treatment-based program. It’s for adults charged with certain types of crimes who could benefit from substance use treatment. People who successfully complete the 18-month program have their charges dismissed.

KMHS provides two therapists who:

  • Provide mental health treatment
  • Report to the court on participants’ progress
  • Connect participants to services as needed

Competency Services

KMHS offers several competency restoration programs. They support people whose mental illness keeps them from understanding criminal charges or aiding in their own defense. The goal is to:

  • Provide community-based treatment
  • Reduce the amount of time people spend in jail or at a state hospital awaiting trial
  • Stabilize participants in the community through services, such as outreach, case management, housing support and peer mentorship and advocacy