Who may be affected by Kendra’s Law?
• is 18 years of age or older; and • is suffering from a mental illness; and • is unlikely to survive safely in the community without supervision, based on a clinical determination; and • has a history of lack of compliance with treatment for mental illness which has led to either: • is unlikely to voluntarily participate in outpatient treatment that would enable him or her to live safely in the community; and • is in need of AOT in order to avoid a relapse or deterioration which would be likely to result in serious harm to self or others; and • is likely to benefit from AOT. A court must be satisfied that AOT is the least restrictive alternative before granting an AOT order. If a less restrictive treatment or program exists which could effectively address the person’s mental health needs, the court will not grant the petition for an AOT order. Whom should I contact if I think someone needs assistance through AOT? Contact your county (or New York City) mental health director. County me
