The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved the implementation of Laura’s Law — a comprehensive, treatment-based approach for the mentally ill.

“Laura’s Law has proven to significantly improve the lives of participants, decrease incarceration, reduce homelessness and enhance public safety,” Supervisor Mike Antonovich, 5th District, said. “It provides a humane alternative to the revolving door of mental hospitals, jails and the street.”

Laura’s Law was named after Laura Wilcox, who was killed by an individual suffering from severe mental illness, and was patterned after New York State’s Kendra’s Law.  Initiated by Antonovich, the county had previously adopted a pilot program that has resulted in a 78 percent reduction in incarcerations, and a 77 percent reduction in hospitalizations, among program participants. The board’s decision enables the county to call for court-ordered treatment for individuals who may be suffering from mental health issues, and will expand funding for treatment and services.