Settlement approved in Washington state mental health case
SEATTLE -- After twice finding the state of Washington in contempt for violating her order to provide timely competency services to mentally ill people held in jails, a federal judge has approved a settlement that is designed to ensure people get help before entering the criminal justice system.
U.S. District Judge Marsha Pechman approved the agreement between Disability Rights Washington and the Department of Social and Health Services on Tuesday. The agency announced the settlement on Wednesday.
Pechman's order said the agreement is "fair, reasonable and adequate" and will put on hold the contempt fines the state has been paying for years.
To date, the state has been fined more than $83.4 million for forcing people to wait for services.
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