Obama Gun Control Proposals Unveiled, Marking Biggest Legislative Effort In A Generation

[dixiegrrrrl]

49. Except...

I am playing devil's advocate here, not disagreeing with your comment.

Having worked so many years in the Mental Health field, I have seen several realities which collide with this well intentioned idea of MH staff in schools.

First, in the case of Sandy Hook, the young man's mother was an obvious disturbing influence, and the shooter had been seen by Mental Health people in the past. I do not know of any law which would have allowed discovery and intervention of that disturbed relationship in time to prevent what happened.

Second, that " such a quiet young man " who lives next door may have shown clues to his neighbors, to his school, but there is no law which allows him to be treated against his will on a suspicion of what he MIGHT do.
Exception:
Cal. has a mandatory reporting law, based on what professional think "might happen" in the future ( future is not defined) concerning individuals, but does not provide for any action after the professional makes a report to Dept of Social Services. That's it..only mandatory reporting is required. Having made several of those reports, I have discovered there was no follow up in any of the cases.

I know of at least 6 people within a mile radius of where I live who are "acting weirdly" to my experienced eye, and also know there is no effective intervention possible, until and unless they break a law.
"Poses an immediate danger to self and/or others" is the current standard of legally supported intervention.

It is a sticky wicket, unfortunately.