Mental health advocates in New York are urging lawmakers to reconsider Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposal to widen the criteria for involuntary commitment. This proposal would allow authorities to mandate hospital stays for individuals facing mental health challenges.
During her recent State of the State address, Hochul detailed her plans to enhance Kendra’s Law. This law enables courts to require outpatient treatment for those seen as a danger to themselves or others. The governor’s push follows a series of violent incidents in New York City involving people with mental health issues.
Nearly 20 advocacy groups have written to Hochul, opposing the changes. They are concerned that forcing people into hospitals or outpatient programs, which often don’t succeed, is the wrong approach. Harvey Rosenthal, CEO of the Alliance for Rights and Recovery, highlighted that this method targets vulnerable individuals instead of addressing the root issues.
Advocates argue for better funding and coordination of community services for those with mental health needs. Rosenthal pointed out that many existing services lack coordination, making it hard for individuals to get the help they need.
On the legislative front, leaders are open to adjusting the criteria for involuntary commitment. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie remarked that the current system is failing people and emphasized the need for improvements.
While Hochul’s plan includes giving police the power to detain individuals in hospitals, details about how this will be implemented are still pending. Lawmakers want to balance tougher enforcement with enhanced resources for mental health services and first responders.
Critics warn that simply placing the burden on police will not lead to effective outcomes. Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt noted that without adequate manpower, the plan might not succeed.
Moreover, forceful hospitalizations may worsen the situation according to mental health advocates. Luke Sikinyi from the Alliance for Rights and Recovery stressed the importance of having appropriate responders in crisis situations. A supportive and positive interaction can lead to better engagement with ongoing treatment services.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins acknowledged that the issue is complex. She voiced support for Daniel’s Law, which proposes that a trained crisis response team, rather than the police, handle mental health emergencies. Following a pilot program in Rochester, recommendations from a task force on Daniel’s Law are likely to encourage legislative changes for specialized crisis response teams.
Glenn Liebman, CEO of the Mental Association of New York State, emphasized that expanding forced treatment won’t resolve decades of underfunding in the state’s mental health system. He called for investment in the mental health workforce, which faces a significant crisis, as many professionals are leaving for better-paying jobs elsewhere.
In summary, there’s a significant push from mental health groups for improved services and a more compassionate approach to handling mental health crises, rather than expanding involuntary treatment options.
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