In Light Of Homeless Crisis, LA Supervisor Asks Mental Health Department To Review Existing Laws
L.A. County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger is requesting from the Department of Mental Health what the state qualifies as ‘gravely disabled’ — the interpretation of which could increase access to resources for homeless people.
KHTS:
Barger To Ask County To Look At Mental Health Policy
L.A. County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger is recommending the Department of Mental Health to provide a legal analysis, interpretation and application of all existing state mental health laws. “Currently in Los Angeles County, we have a homeless crisis,” said Tony Bell, spokesperson for Supervisor Barger. “Many of these individuals are suffering from mental illness.” Current mental health laws only require mandatory treatment for emergency circumstances, known as a ‘5150 hold’ — this only applies when the individual is a danger to others, or themselves or gravely disabled, according to the code. (Miller, 4/3)