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Miami Herald

February 11, 2004

Reprinted with permission of the author. All rights reserved.

LETTER
Reform Baker Act

I have been anxiously following the progress of the Baker Act reform, which will allow court-ordered outpatient treatment for people with untreated mental illness.

I have a severely mentally ill son who is completely unaware of his illness. The doctors who have seen him and I have tried to convince him of his need for treatment, but it has been impossible.

I am told that the only way to force him into treatment is if he commits a crime so that he is arrested; only then would he be evaluated and forced into a treatment program. This seems not only inhumane but dangerous.

Wouldn't it be better for my son and for the community to have a civil court order his treatment?

This is a mental-health issue that should not have to involve a criminal court. I thank Gov. Bush and everyone who has supported the Baker Act reform.

MARY GONZALEZ,

Key Biscayne