The Governor’s Task Force on Mental Health has recommended that New Jersey, like 42 existing states, adopt legislation that would establish involuntary commitment to outpatient treatment for individuals who have a history of refusing or discontinuing mental health treatment and as a consequence become a danger to themselves, others or property.
A2304 would establish involuntary outpatient commitment to outpatient treatment as an alternative to the only current option, commitment to a state or county psychiatric hospital. People who were exhibiting behaviors that by history had led to dangerousness in the reasonably foreseeable future and refused voluntary services would be eligible for a court ordered plan of treatment to be carried out by treatment providers designated by the Commissioner of Human Services.
We ask that you, the New Jersey Assemblypersons, join as a co-sponsor of the vital legislation.