The Importance of State Required Data Reporting for Improving Outcomes of Minors with Repeated Involuntary Mental Health Examinations

We will discuss an evaluation of involuntary mental health examinations of minors, highlighting the importance of statutory (state) requirements for reporting data and the impact those requirements can have on supporting program evaluation and informing outcomes. Over three years, 55,840 minors experienced 95,598 involuntary examinations, with almost one in four minors experiencing six or more exams. Interviews with staff at receiving facilities highlighted factors leading to repeated involuntary examinations, such as caregivers lacking service awareness and resources to address challenging behaviors, training and policies for professionals who initiate involuntary examinations, barriers to follow-up services, and misuse of involuntary examination. Findings from this evaluation highlight the need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to effectively address root causes of repeated involuntary examinations. We will emphasize the importance of evaluators in engaging system leaders to take actionable steps toward change and underscore ways statutory requirements facilitates this process.