Joseph Wheeler, former senior deputy prosecutor with the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office, will serve as Lewis County’s next pro tem Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) commissioner, according to a news release from the Lewis County Superior Court.
Wheeler begins his new role on Feb. 3. His predecessor, Merrie Gough, stepped down as the ITA commissioner in December.
“Mr. Wheeler brings a wealth of experience to this work,” a spokesperson for the Lewis County Superior Court said in the release. “He served as a senior deputy prosecutor with the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office for 32 years, and in the final years of his career, he dedicated more than three years to handling Thurston County’s ITA caseload.”
According to the Washington state Health Care Authority, the ITA allows for the “civil investigation, evaluation, detention and commitment of individuals experiencing a mental disorder or a substance use disorder.”
Individuals 13 years and older can be evaluated and treated, according to state law.
“(Wheeler’s) knowledge of ITA work and long-standing commitment to public service will be a benefit to our court and the community,” the court spokesperson said.
Before ordering treatment, ITA judges must determine that a person is a danger to themselves or others due to a behavioral health disorder.
“We are excited to welcome (Wheeler) to our team and look forward to working with him,” the spokesperson said.
