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Fact Sheet
Last updated March 2005

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Experiences from Other States

New Jersey is currently one of only eight states without a law allowing for court-ordered outpatient treatment for individuals with a history of medication noncompliance. As New Jersey reexamines its mental health system and contemplates adopting assisted outpatient treatment (AOT), information from states with already successful AOT programs will be invaluable.  Following is commentary provided by officials and treatment professionals throughout the country regarding their experiences with assisted outpatient treatment.

"[W]e are dealing with these
cases one way or another.
That is, if we do not handle the
cases on the civil docket for
court-ordered treatment, we
will have to deal with them on
the criminal docket when
crimes are committed, often as
a result of the untreated
symptoms of their illness."

- Wisconsin Circuit Court judge
Ralph M. Ramirez

                    -are not arrested by law enforcement, which reduces the risk of injury and protects public safety;
                    -are not institutionalized in jails or hospitals, which saves money; and
                    -are treated as patients in their communities, which preserves their dignity.

For more on Gregory’s Law, including articles on the Katsnelson family, visit http://www.gregoryslaw.org/.