Referral and Pre-Screening Process

Pre-screening is required for referral to the Veterans Enhanced Treatment Court. The process is as follows: 

  1. Complete the Pre-Screening Form (PDF). Only this form is to be used for referrals, and it is important that all information requested on the form be completed.
  2. Send the following forms to Tom Squires (email: tasquires@spokanecounty.org, fax: 509-477-2650, or drop off in person to the Probation Department.)
    • Pre-Screening Form (PDF)
    • Member 4 copy of the defendant’s DD214 
    • Confirmation of either a PTSD, TBI, or MST service-related disability
  3. The Veterans Court team will research files and databases for mental health and substance abuse information on the defendant. A background check and additional research on the defendant will also be conducted.
  4. The referrals will be discussed at the biweekly Thursday morning staffing by the Veterans Court team and the Judge.
  5. At this staffing, the team will determine whether to accept or decline the defendant requested to be transferred into Veterans Court based on the information assembled by the team.
  6. If a defendant is accepted into the Veterans Court, the Court Clerk will schedule the defendant onto the Veterans Court docket. An Order stating the acceptance will be filed with the court and notification will be sent to the referring parties.
  7. If a defendant is not accepted into the Veterans Court, an Order stating the reasons for rejection is filed with the court and notification is sent to the current Judge and referring parties.