What are the eligibility criteria for Assisted Outpatient Treatment?
An individual may be ordered to obtain AOT only if, after a hearing, a court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the subject of the petition meets all of the following criteria: • is at least 18 years of age and suffers from a mental illness; • is unlikely to survive in the community without supervision, based on clinical determination; • has a history of non-compliance with treatment for mental illness which has led to either two hospitalizations for mental illness in the preceding three years, or resulted in at least one act of violence toward self or others, or threats of serious physical harm to self or others, within the preceding four years; • is unlikely to accept the treatment recommended in a treatment plan; • is in need of AOT to avoid a relapse or deterioration that would likely result in serious harm to self or others; and • is likely to benefit from AOT. Before a court may order AOT, it must be satisfied that it is the least restrictive alternative for the person.
