Florida’s new mental health law aims to improve crisis response and care

New guidelines for emergency mental health services in the state of Florida, specifically focusing on individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, will go into effect on Monday, July 1.

A portion of HB 7021 Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed into law, updates the Baker Act, which currently provides individuals with emergency services and temporary detention for up to 72 hours.

The new legislation is expected to change the evaluation and intake process for individuals, even children, who meet a certain criteria. Parents must also be notified if their kids are being taken in.

Palm Beach County attorney Mark Astor’s practice focuses on getting these individuals into the right services. According to Astor, the Baker Act process has been traumatic, especially for children, and lacks follow-up care after they’re released.

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