http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/52/3/342
Michael Allen, J.D. and Vicki Fox Smith
Policy makers have recently begun to reconsider involuntaryoutpatient commitment as a means of enhancing public safetyand providing mental health services to people deemed to benoncompliant with treatment. The authors review the therapeuticclaims for outpatient commitment and take the position thatthere is insufficient evidence that it is effective. They offerarguments that outpatient commitment may not improve publicsafety and may not be more effective than voluntary services.The authors further point out that outpatient commitment mayundermine the delivery of voluntary services and may drive consumersaway from the mental health system. The authors conclude thatoutpatient commitment programs are vulnerable to legal challengebecause they may depart from established constitutional standardsfor involuntary treatment.