To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Behavioral Health
Agenda Section: Departmental
SUBJECT:
title
AB1976 Mental Health Services: Assisted Outpatient Treatment
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve, and authorize the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) - Behavioral Health to implement the Laura's Law - Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) pilot program to assist in determining the feasibility of implementation of Laura's Law;
2. Approve, and authorize the Chair of the Board to sign a resolution to fund the implementation of Laura's Law - AOT pilot program;
3. Approve, and authorize DHHS - Behavioral Health Branch to issue an RFP to contract for Laura's Law - AOT pilot program services; and
4. Discuss the Department of Health & Human Services - Behavioral Health Branch providing additional mobile response services to those in mental health crisis, including outreach and engagement to the most vulnerable populations.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Behavioral Health Fund (1170), General Fund (1100)
DISCUSSION:
The Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act of 1967, codified as Welfare & Institutions Code ?5000-?5556, provides, in part, for involuntary commitment of individuals with serious mental illness for varying lengths of time for the purpose of treatment and evaluation, provided certain requirements are met.
There is much debate across the state of California as to whether Laura's Law should be utilized for those with serious mental illness whose condition is deteriorating, and/or are unlikely to survive safely in the community without supervision. A lack of funding and the ongoing controversy over forcing mentally ill persons into treatment have led many counties to decide against implementing Laura's Law. Some object to forced treatment if no crime has been committed. Others say the prospect could deter the mentally ill from seeking treatment voluntarily for fear they could wind up under court-ordered sup...
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