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The Dramatic Decline of Civil Commitment in Oregon, 1972 to 2020
Thomas E Hansen1, Joseph D Bloom2, Amela Blekic2
1Dr. Hansen is Adjunct Associate Professor, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR. Dr. Bloom is Clinical Professor, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Blekic is Associate Professor, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR. hansenmanley@comcast.net.
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.
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