With a lack of access to mental health services, people with mental illness often get swept into the criminal justice system. But on December 11, 2018 a federal judge approved a landmark class action settlement known as “Trueblood” that addresses this criminalization of mental illness—and has the potential to transform Washington’s mental health system. Town Hall Seattle joined forces with Disability Rights WA for a panel discussion on the state of mental health services and protections today, and an exploration of the sweeping ramifications of Trueblood. They delved into the substantive changes resulting from Trueblood in areas from competency evaluations and restoration services to education and training of the mental health system’s workforce. Sit in for an exploration of this critical case that may well transform the way people with mental illness interact with our criminal justice and mental health systems.

Presented by Town Hall Seattle, Disability Rights Washington, and The Collective. Recorded live at The Collective by Town Hall Seattle on March 26, 2019.