Visiting the Western District of Washington
- Jenee Fortier
- Aug 6
- 2 min read
By: Wyatt Lim-Tepper

In July, I had the privilege of visiting the Western District of Washington (WDWA) to learn about their approach to the reentry population and observe their new mental health court, Promoting Accountability, Treatment, Healing, and Wellness Court (PATHWAY). The train ride from the airport into downtown Seattle was a gorgeous introduction to the city, with its green forests, vibrant urban core, and stunning architecture. The Seattle courthouse offered incredible views, and many stakeholders were generous with their time, sharing insights into their compassionate approach to helping people. I was particularly impressed by their collaborative efforts in developing treatment court programs, which highlighted the dedication and care driving change in their system. I was particularly heartened to see that staff across the courthouse consistently prioritized harm reduction and community health as core pillars of their work. It was clear they emphasize using evidence-based interventions and partnering with a robust network of community resources to address individuals’ diverse needs.

The district only recently launched PATHWAY, one of the few programs like this at the federal level. Mental health courts traditionally require a host of community partnership, healthcare relationships, and immense training for staff to successfully be implemented. Despite being launched a few months ago, it was clear how much effort, collaboration, and expertise went into its development. The stakeholders were passionate about providing support for participants, and the rapport and trust from the bench during the court hearings showed a dedication to all participants’ well-being.

The Berkeley Judicial Institute also hosted a training at the courthouse during my visit, talking about Stress and Duress: Past and Present Challenges to the Judicial Branch. It was well attended with a fascinating discussion about the history of our courts, the role of the judiciary, and its current climate with threats to the bench.
Finally, my visit to WDWA also included a stop at the courthouse in Tacoma, a beautifully preserved old train station. There, I had the honor of presenting to a committee of stakeholders dedicated to reentry work throughout the district. It was a privilege to discuss the growth, development, and meaningful impact A Curiae strives to implement within the court system, reinforcing our shared mission of strengthening community support.

After many meetings with intelligent and passionate court staff and with a few moments to visit tourist sites like Pike’s Market, I left the Western District of Washington with a profound respect for the amount of attention and intervention the court has for developing its collaborative courts. I hope there will be room to continue to learn, implement, and collaborate with a court so dedicated to helping individuals.
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