A recent City Council report has found significant flaws in Mayor Eric Adams' strategy for addressing severe mental health crises and homelessness, particularly the practice of involuntarily removing individuals. The analysis revealed that these removals disproportionately target Black New Yorkers and often occur in private spaces rather than public ones. Alarmingly, a significant portion of those removed do not receive the inpatient care they need. Critics, including Council Member Linda Lee, argue that the administration is leaning too heavily on removals without investing in the long-term treatment services necessary for individuals in crisis.
The Council analysis found that involuntary removals were five times more likely to occur in private than in public spaces; 40% of those removed were not admitted for inpatient care.
While involuntary removals have drawn backlash from many lawmakers and advocates, the mayor is pushing for the state to give the city expanded authority over the practice this legislative session.
Council Member Linda Lee observed that the Administration has relied on involuntary removals as a catch-all solution without providing funding for necessary treatment measures.
The report found that the NYPD initiated 7,060 involuntary removals last year, and clinicians initiated another 660 transports, raising concerns about its effectiveness in addressing mental health.
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