County of Marin - News Releases - Mental Health Law

For Immediate Release
September 01, 2015

Feedback Sought on Mental Health Law

Public meeting September 8 about potential Marin implementation of AB 1421

San Rafael, CA – The public is invited to a community meeting September 8 to discuss the pros and cons of assisted outpatient treatment tied to California’s 13-year-old law known as Assembly Bill 1421, or “Laura’s Law.”

The session will take place at 4:30 p.m. September 8 at the Marin Health and Wellness Center in San Rafael. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information to stakeholders about AB 1421 and hear from the community. Staff from Marin County Health and Human Services will collect the feedback as the County considers recommendations to bring the subject before the Board of Supervisors this fall.

The program outlined in AB 1421 provides court-ordered intensive outpatient services for adults with serious mental illness and who meet a series of eligibility requirements, including not meaningfully participating in mental health services.

Counties must opt-in to this legislation, which requires provision of specific mental health services, including supportive housing, for people who meet the law’s criteria. The law does not allow for court-ordered medications. Of California’s 58 counties, three have implemented AB 1421; nine have adopted the law and are currently in the planning stages.

The September 8 meeting will be in Rooms 109/110 at the Wellness Center, 3240 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael.

All public meetings and events sponsored or conducted by the County of Marin are held in accessible sites. If you are a person with a disability and require information or materials in alternative formats -- or if you require accommodation to participate in a county program, service or activity -- please contact department staff at (415) 473-7331 or (415) 473-4381 (voice/TTY) or e-mail disabilityaccess@marincounty.org.

Contact:

Suzanne Tavano
Director of Mental Health and Substance Use Services
Health and Human Services

3240 Kerner Blvd.
Suite 105
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 473-6809
Email: Suzanne Tavano
Marin HHS website