Two new studies (including one reported in the New York Times) should lead
to widespread adoption of Laura’s Law in California as a way to help some
people with the most serious mental illnesses. Laura’s Law allows courts to
order a narrowly defined group of individuals who have a history of violence to
stay in treatment while living in the community. It has reduced violence,
incarceration, hospitalization and homelessness wherever it has been used.
The first study was conducted
in Australia and found 25% of individuals with schizophrenia were charged
with a criminal offense during their lifetime. 6.4% of those with schizophrenia
and 22.8% of those with schizophrenia plus substance abuse were charged with
violent crimes compared to only 2.4% in the control group.
Unfortunately, California’s non-profit mental health industry continues to
deny a relationship between violence and untreated serious mental illness and
therefore oppose programs like Laura’s Law that can reduce the violence. They
also claim it is too expensive.
A second study from Duke University studied New York’s version of Laura’s
Law and found any increase in cost is dramatically offset by reduced
hospitalization and incarceration costs.
In New York City, net costs declined 50% in the first year and an additional 13% in the second year. Savings were even greater outside the city. The savings in the group that was court ordered to receive care was about twice as large as those seen for voluntary services. Nevada County found similar savings: $1.81 for every dollar invested.
In New York City, net costs declined 50% in the first year and an additional 13% in the second year. Savings were even greater outside the city. The savings in the group that was court ordered to receive care was about twice as large as those seen for voluntary services. Nevada County found similar savings: $1.81 for every dollar invested.
California
should make wider use of Laura’s Law. It allows individuals with serious mental
illness to live safely in the community, rather than behind bars or in locked
inpatient wards. It keeps public, patients and police safer and the new study
shows it saves money.
Unfortunately
Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg who once said he was “very clear” the Mental Health Services Act proceeds can be
used for Laura’s Law has become a consistent supporter of efforts to prevent
the use of MHSA funds for Laura’s Law. Hopefully, these two new studies will
lead him to rethink his opposition.
