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FACT SHEET

Key Aspects of Kevin's Law

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Kevin's Law (SB 683-86 (2003)) creates a program of intensive, court-ordered treatment in the community for individuals with mental illness in Michigan who are, because of the symptoms of their illness, least able to help themselves or most likely to present a risk to others.

The legislation was signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm on December 27, 2005. It became effective immediately.

Specifically, Kevin's Law will:

The most comprehensive and respected controlled study on the use of assisted outpatient treatment in other states found that the program, when used for over 6 months and combined with routine mental health services, reduced hospital admissions by 57%1 and cut the incidence of violence in half.2 For those with a history of multiple hospitalizations as well as prior arrests and/or violent behavior, the re-arrest rate was almost one quarter that of those who were not under treatment orders.3

Thus the assisted outpatient treatment program established by Kevin's Law will both protect Michigan's citizens and secure vital treatment for her citizens who are overwhelmed by mental illness.

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1 Swartz, M.S., Swanson, J.W., Wagner, R.H., et al: Can involuntary outpatient commitment reduce hospital recidivism? American Journal of Psychiatry, 156:1968-1975 (1999).
2 Swanson, J.W., Swartz, M.S., Borum, R., et al: Involuntary out-patient commitment and reduction of violent behaviour in persons with severe mental illness. British Journal of Psychiatry,176: 224-231 (2000).
3 Swanson, J.W., Borum, R., Swartz, M.S., et al: Can involuntary outpatient commitment reduce arrests among persons with severe mental illness? Criminal Justice and Behavior, Vol. 28, No.2: 156-189 (2001).

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