Project Type(s):
Population Health/Implementation, Training
An Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) is a civil legal tool that permits courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals at elevated risk of harming themselves or others. Lethal means restriction has been found to be a useful mechanism to reduce firearm injury and death. In Washington, the judge hearing the ERPO petition makes findings as to evidence supporting the need for an ERPO and whether a behavioral health evaluation is warranted for the individual whose rights are affected, among other things. When a behavioral health evaluation is ordered, there is no direct pathway for the individual to obtain the assessment.
This project seeks to assess the barriers and implementation of mental health assessments ordered by courts in the setting of issuing ERPOs. This project seeks to 1) Explore the recommendations for the proposed scope of the ERPO behavioral health evaluation; and 2) Explore the feasibility of providing state-sponsored trainings to behavioral health evaluators on conducting these assessments and the feasibility of a state-university clinic (or pool of clinicians) able to provide the one-time court ordered assessments for ERPO proceedings.
Project Period:
January 1, 2027 — December 31, 2027
Yes - We have funding to contribute
Funding Type(s):
Philanthropy
Garvey Institute for Brain Health Solutions
Geographic Area(s):
Washington
Practice Type(s):
Outpatient
Patient Population(s):
Adolescents, Adults
Targeted Condition(s):
Heath risk behaviors/health behaviors, Suicide Prevention
