Patti's Comments: Jail Diversion services are available for folks with mental illness. The district court should request a liaison with the County diversion experts to secure treatment for situations like this. Mental Health Powers of Attorney will also help, by allowing the person to determine who will make mental health treatment decisions for them if it is needed.
For more information regarding these documents look to my web site at "Patti's Publications." It is included in the section "Top 10 Disability Issues to Incorporate Into Your Law Practice." It has the policy all the mental health organizations must adhere to as an attachment.
From The Oakland Press: Mark Ott had run away from home and was living on the streets before his parents took him back for what would be the last time. Less than six months later, Mark -- the oldest son of Barbara and Michael Ott -- was arrested and charged with his parents' slaying last month in the family's lakefront home.
The tragic case unfolding in court has had neighbors and family friends describing a troubled boy with a mental illness who grew into a man his parents couldn't control, but continued to love and pray would get better.
It may also point to a larger problem within the state's justice system, which critics say fails to keep individuals with serious mental health issues from falling through the cracks and serving jail sentences instead of receiving medical treatment.
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