On July 24, 2025, a new Executive Order was issued that expands civil commitment and institutionalization for individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, or housing instability. While framed as a public safety measure, this policy could have serious consequences for children, adolescents, and young adults—especially those already vulnerable to trauma or psychiatric crisis. In this post, Dr. Marie Akers of SHIELD Psychiatry explores what this shift means for families, providers, and the future of youth mental health care.