The bill is not perfect. But it does many things to improve the financing, treatment and delivery of services across the range of mental illnesses, and in particular it has provisions aimed directly at helping those like my son.
Most critically, the Murphy-Johnson bill provides incentives to fund expanded treatment, called assisted outpatient treatment, or A.O.T., only for those with a long history and pattern of proving a danger to themselves or others. The specifics of A.O.T. vary by state, but judges can order patients to undergo treatment while they live in the community instead of in prison or a hospital. It has been proven to reduce crime by or against those with illnesses, as well as suicide. In some states, the treatment is ordered through the intervention of medical professionals or law enforcement; families do have to be involved. In many states, families can petition the court directly based on the likelihood that their loved one has a grave disability or condition.
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