Rise in Temporary Detention Orders in Virginia, 2013-2017: Possible Contributing Factors

University of Virginia Institute of Law, Psychiatry and Public Policy
S A Larocco, R J Bonnie, H Zelle
January, 2017

From 2013 through 2017, there has been a substantial increase in temporary detention orders (TDO) in Virginia. State hospitals are absorbing an increasing number of these patients. This report explores various theories put forth to explain the increase in temporary detention orders in general. Factors that appear to have contributed to the increase in temporary detention orders in general include attention to the death of Austin Deeds, the implementation of the Governor’s Access Plan, and the opening of increasing numbers of crisis intervention team assessment centers, although other factors may have had subtle effects as well.