AOT Resource Library
One of the aims of this toolkit is to provide educational materials to all professionals within the AOT system of care, courts, mental health providers, hospital staff, individuals and law enforcement. Use the filters below to find AOT related resources geared towards specific audiences in various types of media.
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April 2025AOT Timeline VisualThe AOT timeline visual is a valuable tool for natural supports and those looking to better understand the AOT process, including both combined hospitalization and AOT-only orders. It outlines key events from the initial petition to the reassessment of the order before expiration. Each step is paired with a timeframe, indicating the number of days required to move to the next stage in the process.CourtsMental health providersHospitalsIndividualsFamilies and advocatesLaw enforcementResource -
April 2025AOT support group resourcesThis resource was created to support individuals with lived experience and their loved ones. It includes information about NAMI’s mission and vision, along with links to peer and family support groups. You’ll also find a list of additional mental health resources across Michigan. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or a loved one, this guide is here to help.IndividualsFamilies and advocatesResource
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March 2025AOT terms glossaryThis three-page document serves as a comprehensive reference guide to terms commonly associated with AOT. Each term is accompanied by its corresponding definition and a detailed description to provide clarity and context. Additionally, where applicable, the standard acronym for each term is included to ensure consistency in usage. To enhance organization and ease of navigation, the terms are systematically arranged in alphabetical order. This structured format allows users to quickly locate and understand key terminology related to AOT.CourtsMental health providersHospitalsIndividualsFamilies and advocatesLaw enforcementResource
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March 2025Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI): An overviewThe purpose of this document is to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) process, including its legal criteria, treatment pathways, and oversight mechanisms. It aims to help the general community understand how individuals found NGRI are assessed, treated, and monitored within the mental health and legal systems, ensuring both public safety and appropriate care for those with severe mental illness.Mental health providersHospitalsIndividualsFamilies and advocatesResource
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March 2025HIPAA regulations and information sharing in AOTThis resource outlines how HIPAA impacts information sharing in AOT. It explains when and how providers, courts, and law enforcement can share protected health information to ensure effective AOT implementation while maintaining patient privacy.CourtsMental health providersHospitalsIndividualsFamilies and advocatesLaw enforcementResource
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February 2025System of care roles and restrictionsThis resource is meant to provide a general overview of the roles, restrictions, and information-sharing activities for positions that are a part of the AOT System of Care. These lists are non-exhaustive, and some roles are not represented.CourtsMental health providersHospitalsFamilies and advocatesLaw enforcementResource
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February 2025Establishing clear and convincing evidence for AOTThis resource depicts that the burden of proof in Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) cases lies with the petitioner, who must provide "clear and convincing" evidence that the individual meets specific criteria for AOT. This includes demonstrating the persons mental illness impairs their ability to care for themselves or poses a risk to themselves or others, and that they lack insight into their need for treatment. Testimony from psychiatrists, who act as expert witnesses, is central to these proceedings, with case managers and treatment team members providing supportive information. Clear, detailed case notes are essential for psychiatrists to effectively present evidence in court.CourtsMental health providersHospitalsFamilies and advocatesBrief
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December 2024Treatment courts vs. AOT processThe document "Treatment Courts vs. AOT Process" explains the key differences between treatment courts and the Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) process in Michigan, highlighting their distinct functions and eligibility criteria. While treatment courts focus on rehabilitation for individuals involved in the criminal justice system, AOT operates within probate courts to mandate involuntary mental health treatment for individuals who cannot recognize their need for care. It emphasizes that AOT provides a legal mechanism for treatment without criminal consequences, whereas treatment courts offer alternatives to incarceration for those convicted of crimes, with legal sanctions for non-compliance.CourtsMental health providersHospitalsIndividualsFamilies and advocatesLaw enforcementBrief
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March 2024Assisted outpatient treatment: A resource for familiesThis resource is a general overview of AOT for families and loved ones of those with serious mental illness (SMI). AOT is a civil court order for mental health treatment; it is a tool, not a specific type of mental health treatment. Adjustments can be made as needed, and each AOT case is different. This flyer walks families and advocates through eight steps from getting a petition to ending an order, and who in the AOT system of care plays a role in each step.Families and advocatesBrief
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March 2023Terminology 101: Mental illnessIn this video, Scott Smith provides a comprehensive overview of key terminology related to Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT). He explains important concepts such as mental illness, serious mental illness, psychosis, and various related terms including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder. Smith clarifies the distinctions between different conditions and discusses their implications for treatment and diagnosis. This resource aims to enhance understanding of these terms for those involved in behavioral health and justice systems.Families and advocatesIndividualsTraining
