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Board approves assisted outpatient treatment ordinance after hours of debate and added oversight
Summary
San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors voted 9–2 on Tuesday to adopt an ordinance authorizing court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment (AOT), commonly called Laura’s Law, with new amendments intended to expand voluntary outreach and require an external evaluation three years after the law’s effective date.
San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors voted 9–2 on Tuesday to adopt an ordinance authorizing court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment (AOT), commonly called Laura’s Law, with new amendments intended to expand voluntary outreach and require an external evaluation three years after the law’s effective date.
Supporters said the policy will add a tool for families and the city to help people with severe mental illness who do not recognize their need for care. Opponents warned the program risks coercion, possible disproportionate impacts on people of color and that it must be paired with stronger, culturally competent community services.
The ordinance requires the Department of Public Health (DPH) to create an advocate team to try to engage individuals voluntarily at two stages — during the investigation of whether a person meets AOT criteria, and again after a petition is filed but before a court hearing. The board inserted an amendment from Supervisor Jane…
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