How Do You Decide To Baker Act Someone?
The Baker Act is part of the Florida Mental Health Act that was established to care for people who cannot control their behavior. You can only Baker Act someone if they are a threat to themselves or others. Law enforcement officers, friends and family and mental health professionals have the authority to Baker Act a person. Determine the possible consequences of the person’s actions. He may be capable of injuring himself or someone else intentionally or accidentally, particularly if he suffers from drug-induced psychosis. He may also become homeless due to his mental disorder. If you believe the person poses a risk to his own well-being or the safety of others, the Baker Act is an option. Watch the person for suicidal behavior. If you believe a person may attempt suicide, take the individual to the hospital psychiatric ward to get Baker Acted. In some jurisdictions, a judge must issue an ex parte order to commit someone. If the person poses an immediate danger to himself, call the poli
