The prosecutor's office has prohibited forced assistance to a sick homeless person in Santa Cruz: the authorities are powerless.

In the city of Santa Cruz lives 65-year-old Francisco. He has mental health problems and lives on the street. Local authorities wanted to help him, but the prosecutor's office did not allow him to be taken off the street without his consent.

Francisco has difficulty moving around; he can barely walk. Due to his illness (paranoid schizophrenia), he is often seen naked in public places. He may shout, create a mess, or relieve himself on the sidewalks, such as in the Plaza de España or on Avenida 3 de Mayo.

Social services have been aware of Francisco since 2020. He previously lived in centers for people with mental disorders, but ended up back on the street. He does not want to cooperate with social workers, so they turned to the prosecutor's office for permission to help.

However, the prosecutor's office refused, explaining that there were not enough grounds for providing Francisco with compulsory assistance. Although it is known that he is ill, it has not been possible to obtain up-to-date information about his condition because he has stopped seeing doctors.

City authorities say they are powerless to help Francisco without his consent or the permission of the prosecutor's office. They can call an ambulance if he gets worse, but that is not enough.

Government officials are calling on the mental health service to help people like Francisco who need special care.

Francisco's story has caused a wave of sympathy on social media. People are asking for help for the man who is in a difficult situation. They emphasize that he is sick and needs help, not indifference.