Skip to main content

22 counties sue Washington state over 'civil conversion' patients

caption: Washington's Western State Hospital
Enlarge Icon
Washington's Western State Hospital
Austin Jenkins/Northwest News Network


Over half of the counties in Washington state filed a lawsuit against the Department of Social and Health Services. At issue is the state’s ability to provide mental health services for what are classified, “civil conversion patients.”

These are patients who are coming from jail but are not able to stand trial.

"They may come in through jails at first, but at some point, they're found not competent to stand trial," said Seattle Times mental health reporter Esmy Jimenez. "That means they can't really answer questions from the judge, they can't really work with their defense attorney."

The lawsuit is the latest in a years-long struggle to provide mental health care for people who interact with the criminal justice system.

Esmy Jimenez has been following the story. She spoke with Soundside about the lawsuit and how it relates to a recent federal ruling over the same issue.

Click the play button above to hear the full audio segment.

Why you can trust KUOW