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Several
states have enacted Assisted Outpatient Treatment laws that require
adults with mental illness to receive treatment through the public
mental health system. On March 30, 2005, Kevin’s Law, also
referred to as Assisted Outpatient Treatment, went into effect that
amended the Michigan Mental Health Code that enhanced the definition of
a “person requiring mental health treatment”. The purpose of Kevin’s
Law is to legally require adults with mental illness that refuse
treatment to accept services. The Kevin’s Law pertains to people
whose “non-compliance” with treatment has been a factor in at least two
psychiatric hospitalizations or jail within the last forty-eight months
or one or more acts/attempts/threats of serious violent behavior in the
last forty-eight months.
In
partnership with Oakland County Probate Court, Oakland County Community
Mental Health Authority has utilized Kevin’s Law to assist adults with
mental illness in accessing services. The Authority utilizes the
Law with caution, as to not minimize people’s civil liberties.
For more information about Kevin’s Law, please contact
the Common Ground Sanctuary at (800) 231-1127. |
