The Dramatic Decline of Civil Commitment in Oregon, 1972 to 2020

Thomas E. Hansen; Joseph D. Bloom; Amela Blekic

doi:10.29158/JAAPL.220003-21

The Dramatic Decline of Civil Commitment in Oregon, 1972 to 2020

Thomas E. Hansen, Joseph D. Bloom, Amela Blekic

Psychiatry

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The rate of civil commitment in Oregon fell from 53.2/100,000 in 1972 to 9.2/100,000 in 2020. The paper discusses this decline in civil commitment as related to statutory and case law changes and complex interactions including bed availability at Oregon State Hospital (OSH). The latter was in turn influenced by the significant increase in the last decade of hospitalization at OSH of competence to stand trial evaluation and restoration (CST) patients. Multnomah County, which contains the city of Portland, was responsible for the largest number of investigations and commitments and led the state in using a 14-day diversion alternative to commitment. This analysis may serve as a model for other states to engage in similar longitudinal research to shed light on the functioning of their involuntary commitment statutes.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	533-540
Number of pages	8
Journal	Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
Volume	50
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.29158/JAAPL.220003-21
State	Published - Dec 1 2022

Keywords

civil commitment
competency to stand trial
forensic hospital psychiatry
legal regulation of psychiatry

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Psychiatry and Mental health

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10.29158/JAAPL.220003-21

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The Dramatic Decline of Civil Commitment in Oregon, 1972 to 2020

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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