Families advocating for timely access to a continuum of care for people living with severe mental illness.
We are the Connecticut chapter of the National Shattering Silence Coalition, a volunteer group of caregivers and parents supporting loved ones living with severe mental illness (SMI). SMI includes conditions such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, severe bipolar disorder, and major depression with psychotic features. These are medical conditions involving brain function and are not caused by personal weakness, choice, or parenting.
We work alongside organizations that support assisted outpatient treatment (AOT). Connecticut lacks this type of coordinated continuum of care for people with SMI who struggle to engage with services. We educate and advocate so that people with SMI can receive early, high-quality, evidence-based care. With timely treatment, many people experience meaningful recovery. Without it, outcomes can be serious, including repeated hospitalization, incarceration, homelessness, victimization, suicide, worsening symptoms, and shortened lifespan.
We are advocating for AOT, which provides outpatient treatment under civil court order to people with SMI who have had difficulty engaging with care voluntarily. It is designed for a small subset of people, often those with anosognosia. This is a less restrictive model than repeated involuntary hospitalizations.
AOT is authorized by law in 48 states. Even in states with AOT laws, many have significant unmet need for local programs, a reminder that a law alone is not enough. We support AOT as one tool among many, alongside strong voluntary care and legal safeguards. Connecticut has existing health care infrastructure to build on to support AOT. Research from other states suggests that well-implemented AOT can reduce costly hospitalizations and incarceration, helping offset program costs.
Join us to learn more and to become a voice for change in Connecticut.