cocomod
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Well, it's a little more complicated. People can say they're not a danger, but if the evidence proves otherwise (for example, they've made a will, written a suicide note, given away their possessions), they can still be taken to a hospital for further evaluation. Most of the time, there is no evidence that someone is a danger to themselves or others. The reason those policies are in place is to protect people who may be mentally ill but aren't a danger to anyone, which most mentally ill people aren't.
For every story like this we hear, there are millions in which the mentally ill were able to retain their civil rights without any bad outcome. We only hear about the ones that end in tragedy because they're the ones that make the news.
I also agree that the suspect's youth may have also played a role in this. It's tragic all the way around.
If anyone is interested in why these laws are in place and how they impact healthcare workers, you should read the book "Aurora." It's written by the psychiatrist who was treating the Aurora, CO mass shooter.
Yes, I have very personal experience with someone that is mentally ill and was 18 (so an adult) vs a minor. The system was/is very frustrating on getting help for someone that refuses help. I know there needs to be laws to protect them, but there is also a break in the system for family members that are seeking help for someone that we know needs it.