AOT, Mental Health

AOT CRITERIA

18 years of age or older, suffering from mental illness (MI)
Clinically determined that person is unlikely to survive safely in the community without supervision
Historical lack of compliance with treatment and at least one of the following is true:
- MI has, at least twice within the last 36 months, has been a substantial factor in necessitating hospitalization or receipt of services in a forensic or mental health unit of a state correctional facility or local correctional facility.
- MI has resulted in one or more acts of serious and violent behavior toward themselves or another or threats or attempts to cause serious physical harm to themselves or another within the last 48 months.
Offered an opportunity to participate in a treatment plan and continued to fail to engage.
Condition is substantially deteriorating.
Participation in AOT is the least restrictive placement necessary to ensure recovery and stability.
Person needs AOT to prevent relapse or deterioration that would likely result in grave disability or serious harm to the person or others.
Likely that the person would benefit from AOT.

OBJECTIVE & GOALS OF AOT

It allows individuals to be ordered into treatment without ordering them into a hospital.
The criteria to place someone in AOT are easier to meet than the “imminently dangerous” standard often required for impatient commitment.
The law not only allows courts to commit the patient to accepting care, but it also allows courts to commit the mental health system to providing it. The law includes strict eligibility criteria and numerous patient protection.

AOT CORE TEAM