An Initial Outcome Evaluation of Assisted Outpatient Treatment Under Tim's Law in Kentucky

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess four outcomes among participants in Kentucky's assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) program, which was created under Tim's Law, enacted in 2017. AOT is a court-ordered, community-based treatment approach for individuals living with serious mental illness. Method Quantitative data were collected for 220 AOT participants in Kentucky from July 2020 through December 2025 using administrative data, provider-completed administrative interviews, and structured interviews with program participants. Data were collected at program entry, 6-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up using the National Outcome Measures. Results Descriptive findings showed reductions in psychiatric hospitalization and psychiatric emergency department use, generally high medication adherence with improvement by 12-month follow-up, increases in employment, and improvements in self-reported mental health. Discussion These findings are broadly consistent with prior AOT evaluations. Continued research efforts are needed to monitor AOT implementation and participant outcomes over time.