Re “Blakespear’s bills to help seriously mentally ill people pass first hurdle” (April 22): My family’s struggles with California’s mental health system have been covered in local, state and national news. The system too often prioritizes my cousin’s “right” to remain untreated and homeless over his right to recover — and over his elderly mother’s right to be safe. His untreated psychosis has led to repeated incarcerations for violent assaults.
SB 1016 would help the severely mentally ill by allowing courts to order comprehensive mental health evaluations and create a pathway toward conservatorship when brain dysfunction prevents someone from seeking treatment independently. This bill offers a chance to break the cycle of psychosis, homelessness, incarceration and violence. Recovery and stability are possible — I have seen it happen before in my family.
California cannot solve its homelessness crisis without addressing the failures of its mental health system.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. We all have the right to be well. #MyFamilyToo
— June Dudas, El Cajon