How and when does a forensic navigator become involved with a person?
A forensic navigator is automatically assigned to a person at the time DSHS receives a 10.77 competency order. The forensic navigator then begins gathering information, meeting with the person and supplying the court with information about whether the person is suitable for OCRP.
This is done to ensure the court is aware of a client’s suitability for OCRP prior to orders for restoration being signed. The court can also appoint a forensic navigator by signing an MP 203 Order.
The court can take this action to show its intent for OCRP or to have a forensic navigator become involved in a case that previously was closed. The forensic navigator can re-assess a person waiting for inpatient restoration to see if the person has become suitable for OCRP.
What are the eligibility requirements for OCRP and how does a forensic navigator determine if a person is suitable for OCRP?
There are two eligibility requirements. The person must:
- Be willing to adhere to medications as prescribed
- Abstain from non-prescribed drugs and alcohol.
The forensic navigator uses the interview, information gathered, and a clinical screening of the case to determine if a person who is willing to participate is suitable for OCRP.
When do forensic navigator services end?
Forensic navigator services end when a person is determined competent, determined not competent and ordered into inpatient restoration, or charges are dismissed. In these circumstances, the forensic navigator still presents what diversion services or additional resources are available and connects the client to other service providers.
If a client is determined not competent and ordered into OCRP, the forensic navigator’s work continues until the client has successfully completed OCRP and regained competency. The forensic navigator continues to work with the client for up to 60 days to ensure they can transition to outpatient behavioral health treatment.
What happens if a person is no longer appropriate for OCRP?
If a person is no longer appropriate for OCRP and would be best served in inpatient restoration, the forensic navigator works to move the person into inpatient restoration.
Once removed from OCRP, a hearing is set for five days after the removal, and the court may either return the person to OCRP or sign orders for inpatient restoration.
How do forensic navigators work with people who are waiting for a competency evaluation out of custody?
Forensic navigators make attempts to locate, meet with, interview and observe people who are out of custody awaiting a 10.77 competency evaluation.
The forensic navigator then completes a Recommended Services Plan indicating the person’s suitability for OCRP so the court has this information once the competency evaluation is completed.
The forensic navigator is discharged after the Recommended Services Plan is completed, which is often prior to the completion of the out of custody competency evaluation.
If the court would like the forensic navigator to make another assessment of suitability for OCRP closer to the out of custody evaluation, an MP 203 Order may be assigned. This would appoint a new forensic navigator to the case.
What are the different processes for felonies vs misdemeanors?
With either level of charge, the forensic navigator gathers information, meets with the person, and offers the court a Recommended Services Plan indicating if the person is suitable for OCRP.
What is a Recommended Services Plan?
The Recommended Services Plan is what the forensic navigator provides the court to inform it of a client’s suitability for OCRP.
The plan explains whether a person is willing to participate in treatment, what potential barriers to OCRP may be present, and if there is any known intent by the court to pursue OCRP.
If the client is suitable for OCRP, the plan provides information about the OCRP provider, when the person could start OCRP, where they will reside, and what mode of transportation the person will use to attend OCRP classes.
Finally, the plan indicates what services the person is eligible for that may divert them from future involvement in the competency process or the court system.