New Jersey to allow involuntary commitment of mentally ill people to outpatient treatment programs

From The AP:

CEDAR GROVE, N.J. — New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine has signed legislation that gives families the option to seek involuntary commitment of mentally ill loved ones to outpatient treatment programs.

Under the law signed Tuesday, families may seek a court order to compel a relative suffering from serious mental illness to get outpatient care. It gives families an alternative to seeking an inpatient commitment.

Sponsors say the goal is to protect family members and the public while also safeguarding the freedoms of those who need help.

More than 40 states have similar laws, and sponsors say they've been successful in helping patients keep up with their medication and treatment regimen.

The law will be phased in over three years.