Adopt a resolution which: (1) Authorizes Shasta County's continued application of the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Documentation Project Act of 2002 (Laura's Law) through January 1, 2022; (2) finds that no voluntary mental health treatment program serving adults, and no children's mental health program, may be reduced as a result of Shasta County implementing the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Project Act of 2002; and (3) repeals Resolution No. 2015-122.

N/A

On October 6, 2015 the Shasta County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 2015-122 which authorized the application in the County of Shasta of the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Demonstration Project Act of 2002 through January 1, 2017.  Senate Bill No. 59, approved by Governor Brown on September 9, 2016, extends the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Demonstration Project Act of 2002 until January 1, 2022.

In 2002, California gave counties the opportunity to enact the Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Demonstration Project of 2002 (Laura’s Law) that allows judges to order an adult with a serious mental illness to participate in outpatient mental health services. Individuals who qualify for this civil process must meet nine specific criteria that includes a history of lack of compliance with treatment for his or her mental illness, their mental health condition is substantially deteriorating, it is likely that the person will benefit from assisted outpatient treatment, etc.  County implementation of Laura’s Law is optional, and participation is contingent on a resolution by the county Board of Supervisors.

Existing law, the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Demonstration Project Act of 2002 which was in effect until January 1, 2017, grants each county the authority to offer certain assisted outpatient treatment services for their residents by adoption of a resolution or through the county budget process and by making a finding that no mental health program, as specified, may be reduced as a result of implementation. 

The Board could choose not to repeal Resolution No. 2015-122 and not authorize the application of Laura’s Law in Shasta County beyond January 1, 2017.

County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Resolution as to form. The County Administrative Office has reviewed the recommendation.

Funds for this program have been included in the Fiscal Year 2016-17 Adopted Budget and includes funding from a combination of 1991 and 2011 realignment, Medi-Cal Federal Financial Participation, Mental Health Services Act Community Service and Support, Full Service Partner funding, and Intergovernmental Transfer revenue without impact to existing programs.  There is no additional General Fund impact with the recommended action.