HomeMy WebLinkAboutProclamation - Treatment court monthPROCLAMATION
"TheraPeutic Court Month"
May 2026
WHEREAS: therapeutic courts improve both public health and public safety' ulhg evidence-based practices to support
individuals and families affected by substance us. and other behavioral health conditions in making long-term changes that
create safer, healthier communities and benefit us all; and
WHEREAS: the Washington State Depaftment of Health and Health Services found that cost savings due to crime
reductions created a $4 retum"on every tax dollar invested in a Washington state drug court, and analyses of mental health
courts and family treatment courts in washington state have shown savings from recidivism, lower rates of hospitalization,
fewer emergency department visits, less involvement in the child welfareiystem, and fewer children bom drug affected' and
wHEREAS: therapeutic court participants and alumni create positive ripple effects in their communities, inspiring hope
and giving back as productive employees, present parents, good neighbors, dedicated mentors, and effective role models for
others in recovery; and
wHEREAs: therapeutic courts provide the treatment, case management, peer support, judicial oversite, comprehensive
resources, structure, expectations, and accountabiliry that address root causes ofcriminal behavior, child abuse and neglect and
support long-term recovery; and
WHEREAS: therapeutic courts have an upstream impact, interrupting generational cycles of substance use and legal
involvement and helping prevent adverse childhood.*p..i.n.., urro.iutrd *ith parental substance use, incarceration and
foster care; and
wHEREAS: Washington State is a national leader in creating meaningful pathways out of the legal system and towards
recovery and lamily reunification, having supported some of the earLiest therapeutic courts in the country, with these
innovative courts now operating in nearly every counly and at every court level;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that the Kittitas county Board of commissioners hereby proclaim May 2026'
as ,,TtLerapeutic Court Month" in Kinitas Counfy and urge citizens to join them in this special observance'
ADOPTED this 2l't day of April 2026.
THE KITTITAS COUNTY
BOARD OF COMiVTISSIONERS
Cory C
lrman
Kjo Clerk of the Board
Commissioner