There are many families throughout Massachusetts whose loved ones are in prison because our outdated laws were a barrier to getting the medically necessary care that was needed. Having a mental illness is not a crime, but the laws in our state dictate otherwise. Families beg for months, sometimes years, only to be told that dangerousness criteria must be met before any help is available. Massachusetts is failing terribly, both for those living with severe mental illness and their families. Bringing Assistant Outpatient Treatment to our state is crucial in fixing our "broken" mental healthcare system.  Please continue to share this petition, Massachusetts can do better, we have to! Laura's story can be read here.