So far my son has been refused AOT (assisted outpatient treatment) twice. Once because he agreed to take a once-a-month injection of an anti-psychotic medicine. A single shot is not a cure. It’s one month. The second time he was refused treatment, it was stated to me that, although he met criteria, there were others “more deserving” because they didn’t have a girlfriend or a mother.
Why is there only one South County AOT staff member? This is evidenced-based treatment. It is clearly a successful program. It not only saves the county money, but it works better than the avoidance they are currently receiving. If Behavioral Wellness is based in science, then where is the logic of refusing to implement? I sat in on the task force that wrote the requirements for AOT, and it is disappointing that years later, it still isn’t working.
What is it going to take to get this funded? Does my son have to die and I go on a rampage to get it funded? That's not right. I have no shame in blaming the county for the lack of care he is not getting. There are many other family members I know that have been refused entry to AOT that will also stand with me.