We are a family in distress, residing in Seattle, WA. We are losing our loving and once sound minded son and brother  to drug addiction. This is our third plea and petition for help. Despite Joel and Ricky's law being in effect, Washington State has turned a blind eye to our struggle unless there is evidence of violence or danger to others - even when the person poses a threat to themselves. We have been advised to call the police, but this does not address the root cause of our problem.

My brother now suffers several mental health issues, in which he did not before. He is homeless and constantly victimized by the people and elements that come with that. He has been hospitalized in horrible condition and released with no resources. The police have picked him up several times for a night in jail (in which this affects his ability to create a productive life once rehabilitated) and released back to the streets with a case worker that drops the ball and no resources or follow up. Though he is a potential harm to himself in the case of well being, the system will do NOTHING for him until it is too late and he is violent or a danger to others. (HE IS NOT VIOLENT OR A THREAT). He has expressed being willing to go through getting clean but as you are all aware, addiction is more than just a conscious (or unconscious) decision. Resources are limited financially to help him further with the economy we are in. My parents raised us all extremely well and did the best they can with the values and morals they instilled in us. My brother officially cracked after our dads passing Thanksgiving 2021 (they were one and shared birthdays). Everyone around him is worried and wants to help. He is loved by our parents, siblings, and friends. Our mother should not have to bury her son, that order is backwards!

Our pleas have reached as far as Governor Jay Inslee's office yet we still find ourselves helpless. Our hands are tied and it feels like there is no one left for us to turn to. But we refuse to give up. It is not too late, he can still be saved but we are running out of time.

Ricky's law seems more like a systematic scam than an effective policy solution for families like ours who are desperately seeking help for their loved ones. If successful at most, he'll be held temporarily and released with no rehabilitation attempts, but what happens after that? There needs to be more comprehensive solutions.

We urge local and government officials in Seattle and Washington State at large, not just acknowledge Ricky’s Law but also ensure its proper implementation with adequate support systems post-intervention.

This petition isn't just about us; it's about every family who might find themselves in our position one day - helpless and unheard despite laws that should protect them being in place. You all have seen the drug and homeless crisis taking over our streets, parks, neighborhoods, city, and places your children were once safe to roam. Your property and state taxes are being affected by this. This is bigger than just us!

We need your support now more than ever before. Please sign this petition so together we can demand action from those who have the power to make real change possible.