Individuals diagnosed with mental illness have been a vulnerable population throughout history. Historical figures such as Dorothea Dix and John F Kennedy have advocated for change and reform within mental health programs. There have been significant changes in policies for this population throughout history. One policy, Kendra's Law, provides court-ordered treatment for people with a severe and persistent mental illness. Until the 1820s, families cared for their relatives who had mental illness. Things began to change when cities became large and industrialization began. Facilities such as prisons and almshouses were soon developed. Hospitals were also developed specifically for mental illnesses, but not for treatment. Hospitals provided mostly basic necessities and not much more. Immediately afterwards the “moral treatments” began. It was believed that people could be cured of their mental health problems by removing themselves from the environment that was believed to be causing their illness. They focused on altering their behavior to conform to social norms (Lightner, 1996). These treatments did not prove effective and hospitals soon became overcrowded. In the 1800s, Dorothea Dix was a public mental health advocate. She traveled across the United States visiting people who were in prisons, workhouses, and barns and was horrified by the conditions in which these people lived. (Smarca, 2008). Dix documented all the conditions he saw during his research. He then presented this information to legislators and advocated for reform and moral treatment of these individuals. He managed to help secure funding for over one hundred state hospitals. In the e...... middle of the document ......t that the text of Kendra's Law does not mention an individual's right to refuse treatment at all. Campbell also demonstrates how the language of the bill can be ambiguous with terms such as “unlikely to survive safely.” The use of these terms makes evaluating a person's abilities incredibly subjective. The subjectivity and stigma already present towards anyone with a mental health diagnosis can easily pose a threat to those without histories of violence forced to participate in an AOT program. The mental health field has a long history of institutionalization, poor conditions, stigma, and involuntary treatment. Thanks to the support, there have been many changes and progress in the systems put in place. However, reducing stigma and reevaluating current policies in place would help further advance the field of mental health.