Rethinking the place of compulsory community mental health treatment in Aotearoa New Zealand: Implications of an assemblage theory approach

Many countries with developed mental health systems permit compulsory treatment for mental illness in community settings. Research has challenged practices associated with the increased use of compulsory community treatment due to non-compliance with human rights and lack of therapeutic efficacy. In the cultural context of Aotearoa New Zealand, this paper introduces a study of the medico-legal process for making compulsory community treatment orders. Drawing on assemblage theory, our analysis critically unpacks the idea of being heard in the event of a court hearing. We illustrate how relations in-between participants, place, and things, become territorialised in ways that reproduce orders. We suggest reterritorialisation of these relations is vital to becoming heard. Rethinking the role of compulsory community treatment orders has implications for mental health law reform. This reform provides a rare opportunity to support services in avoiding compulsory treatment in practice.