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Q&A
Discussion on DHS's role in involuntary commitment
0:54:11
·
98 sec
Council Member Cabán inquires about the Department of Homeless Services' (DHS) role in involuntary commitment, particularly in light of recent changes in state budget resolutions.
- Cabán expresses concern about weakened legal standards for involuntary commitment
- Commissioner Park emphasizes that involuntary removal is not their starting point and explains their approach to outreach
- Park mentions emergency situations where involuntary removals may be necessary, such as during extreme cold weather
Tiffany Cabán
0:54:11
I wanna ask a little bit about, involuntary commitment.
0:54:16
So the the enacted state budget includes resolutions which weaken the legal standard for involuntary commitment, and it's a policy that that the mayor has long been a proponent of.
0:54:26
And, lawmakers and civil rights advocates, they've rallied against this policy saying that it's too broad and it effectively criminalizes homelessness and mental health issues.
0:54:34
I certainly agree with that, but probably even more important than that, if that isn't concerning enough, is that the medical community at large says that this is not best medical practice.
0:54:46
So I I just have a few questions on this front.
0:54:48
I I wanna know what role does DHS currently play in involuntary commitment, and how how might that change with this new policy?
Molly Wasow Park
0:54:57
Sure.
0:54:57
I'm gonna start, and then I'm gonna ask administrator Carter to chime in.
0:55:02
Involuntary removal is never our starting place.
0:55:06
We absolutely believe in the value of outreach, the value of building trust, and getting an individual to a place where they are ready to come indoors.
0:55:17
That is the mission of DHS, and that is what we work on with our contracted outreach teams every day.
0:55:25
That being said, there are emergency situations where that's not going to work.
0:55:31
For example, during cold weather, code blue nights, I get reports every morning on the number of engagements.
0:55:40
And there are very cold nights where we do do involuntary removals because that is literally lifesaving for people who are on the street.