SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our newsletter and gain access to exclusive insights, trends, and news from the world of business and leadership. Don’t miss out!
Mental health has ceased to be a taboo subject. In recent times, the significance of mental health awareness and treatment options has become mainstream. More and more family members and friends are stepping forward to support struggling individuals, while laws are adapting to promote mental health treatment.
The Historic Solution: Conservatorship
In the past, the traditional solution for an individual facing mental health struggles was a full conservatorship. We witnessed this closely with the unfortunate case of Britney Spears, where the situation escalated into what some would consider abuse. On the other hand, concerned parents attempting to obtain conservatorship of a child suffering from conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder were often met with a lack of options and support from the court.
One desperate mother shared her heartbreaking story of being kicked out of the courtroom while pleading for something that could bring her 18-year-old daughter in from the streets and provide her with necessary care. Her daughter was undiagnosed but exhibited symptoms of manic and depressive behavior. The lack of viable options left the mother feeling helpless and unable to help her struggling child.
The Need for Change
Stories like these highlight the inadequacies of the existing system and the need for change in addressing mental health issues and providing effective solutions for individuals and their families.
A Legislative Response
Thankfully, legislators took notice of the urgent need for change and began proposing new laws to address these concerns. In late 2022, Governor Newsom signed AB 1663, introducing significant changes to conservatorships in the context of mental health.
Documenting Alternatives
One of the key provisions of AB 1663 is the requirement for judges to document all available alternatives before granting a conservatorship. This ensures that individuals facing mental health challenges have access to a range of options and that conservatorships are not employed as a default solution.
Preventing a Britney Do-Over
The primary goal of this bill is to prevent situations similar to what happened to Britney Spears. By providing a thorough exploration of alternative options, the new law seeks to avoid the abuse of conservatorship and to safeguard the rights and autonomy of individuals with disabilities.
Empowering Family and Friends
AB 1663 also introduces provisions that allow family members or friends to apply for an LPS conservatorship. LPS conservatorships are specifically designed to oversee comprehensive medical treatment for adults with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, clinical depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and chronic alcoholism. The recent changes to the law now allow those close to the struggling individual to take on the role of LPS conservator instead of leaving the responsibility to the State.
Profound Impact
Though seemingly straightforward, these changes in the law have a profound impact. Family and friends are now legally empowered to intervene, offer help, and access services for individuals dealing with serious mental illness. Simultaneously, individuals with disabilities can maintain a sense of self, personal identity, and freedom.
Seeking Help and Resources
If you or someone you know is facing serious mental illness or experiencing conservatorship abuse, it’s essential to seek help. Resources are available in every county of California to support those in need. Mental health is a medical condition, not a social stigma, and it requires compassionate care and understanding. If you would like to set up a consultation, please call or text at 951-834-7715.
Conclusion
The movement to address mental health challenges and the recent changes in law demonstrate a significant step towards a more compassionate and supportive society. By empowering family and friends and encouraging a thorough exploration of alternatives before granting conservatorships, we create an environment where individuals with mental health struggles receive the care they need while maintaining their dignity and autonomy.
FAQs
1. What is AB 1663? AB 1663 is a legislative bill that introduces changes to conservatorships in the context of mental health. It requires judges to document all available alternatives before granting a conservatorship to ensure the best possible outcome for individuals with mental health challenges.
2. What are LPS conservatorships? LPS conservatorships are specifically designed to oversee comprehensive medical treatment for adults with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, clinical depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and chronic alcoholism.
3. Can family members or friends apply for an LPS conservatorship? Yes, with the recent changes in the law, family members or friends can now apply for an LPS conservatorship, allowing them to be directly involved in overseeing the medical treatment of their loved ones.
4. How can I access mental health resources in California? Mental health resources are available in every county of California. If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, reach out for support and assistance.
5. Why is it essential to promote mental health awareness? Promoting mental health awareness is crucial because it helps break the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourages individuals to seek help and support. By raising awareness, we create a more compassionate and understanding society for those facing mental health challenges.
Get Access Now: https://bit.ly/J_Umma
