- AOT Implementers
- Start Out Right
- Build a Stable Infrastructure Before Launch
- Keep the Momentum Going
Launching an AOT program begins with bringing together key leaders of the treatment system, the court, the mental health advocacy community and other stakeholders with knowledge of the community and its existing resources and challenges. The purpose of the initial meeting is to secure buy-in from each of them to explore the feasibility of establishing a program in the community. At a minimum, these leaders include:
- Public mental health authority administrator
- Civil court judge or magistrate
- Mental health professionals representing community-based, inpatient and psychiatric crisis services
- District Attorney/Prosecutor
- Public Defender
- Sheriff and/or Police Chief
- Mental health advocacy organization director
Each of these stakeholders represents a link in the chain of a well-functioning AOT program. Their buy-in is crucial.
While support of top organizational leadership is critical, some participants in the initial planning should be middle management staff more directly involved in the day-to-day functioning of the system. Although top leaders may know how things are supposed to work, those with direct supervisory roles know how things actually work, which is critical to inform the planning.