PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – Multiple district attorneys in Oregon are urging state leaders to increase mental health resources following a recent federal court ruling that changes who can be admitted to the Oregon State Hospital for competency treatment.
On June 1, a federal judge ruled the state hospital can no longer admit certain defendants found unfit to stand trial if they are facing lower-level charges or if their alleged crime did not cause physical harm to another person. At the same time, those defendants generally can’t be held in jail for more than seven days, raising concerns among prosecutors that some people accused of crimes could be released back into the community before receiving treatment.
Why the ruling matters
When a person is deemed not mentally fit to stand trial, they may be sent to the Oregon State Hospital for treatment aimed at restoring competency. But for years, the state hospital has struggled with capacity and delays, leaving some defendants waiting in jail for extended periods.
Supporters of the ruling say it is intended to reduce strain on the hospital system. Groups including Disability Rights Oregon have celebrated the decision as a step toward addressing longstanding bottlenecks and delays.
Prosecutors: “Catch and release” could get worse
District attorneys from Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties say the ruling could worsen what they describe as a “catch and release” cycle—where people experiencing severe mental illness move through the criminal legal system without timely access to treatment.
Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said the state needs more resources across the system, from the hospital to community-based care.
“We need more help from the governor. We need more help from the state legislature,” Vasquez said. “The Oregon State Hospital system needs additional resources. Community based mental health needs more resources… This is an untenable situation where we need to find better solutions at all levels…”
What the DAs are asking for
In a joint statement, the district attorneys called for three specific actions:
A state position on the case by the end of the month, when the current court order expires.A plan to increase bed capacity at the Oregon State Hospital.Expanded access to mental health treatment statewide, including in community settings.What’s next
FOX 12 investigators say they are continuing to track the court decision and plan to report in the coming weeks on how the ruling is affecting Oregon’s court system.
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