The graduation celebration is scheduled to begin at 3:30pm in courtroom 5, second floor, at the Cowlitz County Hall of Justice (312 SW 1st Ave, Kelso, WA). The Court’s graduation celebration is open to the public. Following the graduation, refreshments will be served.
This specialty court program offers intensive treatment, goals, and supervision to mentally ill defendants instead of jail time.
The Cowlitz County Mental Health Court works together with the Prosecutor’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Probation Department, and a network of community-based providers to enhance public safety and reduce recidivism by providing treatment to mentally ill defendants for typically 24 months, depending on the participant’s progress. Cowlitz County District Court Judge Ron Marshall presides over the Court’s docket.
Mental Health Court, similar to the other specialty courts, requires the defendants to accept accountability for the crimes they’ve committed. At the same time, the offenders are receiving appropriate treatment and obtaining skills that allow them to remain law abiding citizens. Programs like this one enhance public safety and reduce crime in our community. The 2 defendants who will graduate have maintained their mental health through on-going treatment, have stable housing and are engaged in productive activities.