Testimony Regarding Oversight of Mental Health Involuntary Removals and Mayor Adams’ Recently Announced Plan

With the NYC Mental Health Involuntary Removals Policy, the Adams Administration is playing fast and loose with the legal rights of New Yorkers and is not dedicating the resources necessary to address the mental health crises that affect our communities. Forcing people into treatment is a failed strategy for connecting people to long-term treatment and care. Unless we adequately invest in the long-term health and well-being of New Yorkers facing mental illness and our chronic lack of housing, the current mental health crisis will continue.

The NYCLU stands ready to work with the members of the Committees conducting this oversight hearing, and all appropriate partners, to advance meaningful policy changes that will improve the lives of New Yorkers confronting housing, mental health and/or substance use challenges.