(June 20, 2017) The New York legislative sessions ends tomorrow and families of the most severely mentally ill are still waiting for their elected officials to act on Kendra’s Law. The law has treated thousands of the most severely ill New Yorkers whom would otherwise go untreated or become caught up in the criminal justice system.
It’s time for the legislature to end the debate, and vote for Kendra’s Law.
The law, which mandates court-ordered treatment in the community for someone whose mental illness causes them to be too ill to participate voluntarily, was originally passed in 1999. Since its enactment, Kendra’s Law has reduced the rates of incarceration and homelessness by around 70% and the rate of hospitalization by 60%. Eliminating any doubt, research shows it:
- Saves money. An independent study found that NYC’s net costs declined 50% in the first year of Kendra’s Law’s use and an additional 13% in the next.
- Protects voluntary services. Another study found that using Kendra’s Law increased overall service capacity and lead to greater access for both Kendra’s Law and entirely voluntary mental health service recipients.
- Benefits those in the program: 75% said it helped them gain control over their lives, while 81% said it helped them to get and stay well.
In short: Kendra’s. Law. Works. The New York legislature must act, now.