What is Involuntary Commitment?
by Kevin Caruso Involuntary commitment (a.k.a. civil commitment or involuntary civil commitment) is the act of placing individuals in a psychiatric ward (or similar facility) without their consent. Although such an action may seem harsh, it is sometimes necessary in order to prevent people from harming themselves or others, and to ensure that appropriate treatment is administered to them. The laws governing involuntary commitment vary from country to country and state to state, but, in general, laws restrict involuntary commitment to those who are mentally ill and/or under the influence of drugs or alcohol and are deemed to be in imminent danger of harming themselves or others. In the United States, the maximum initial time for involuntary commitment is usually 3 to 5 days. Thus, if the police are called to a location, for whatever reason, and observe an individual meeting the above requirements, they may take him or her to a psychiatric ward. There, the individual will be assessed by
If you have personal knowledge of an adult or child who suffers from mental illness or chemical dependence (alcohol or drug addiction) who is endangering himself or others and is unwilling to get help, the person may need involuntary commitment at a facility for treatment. Only a mental health professional, i.e. medical doctor, can determine whether or not commitment is necessary. ADULT (A person 18 years old or older or a child sixteen or older): If you know a person, mentally ill, needing INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENT contact the TRI-COUNTY COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER P. O. Box 918, 1035 Cheraw Street Bennettsville, SC 29512 (843) 454-0442 DO NOT COME TO THE PROBATE COURT FIRST; GO TO THE APPROPRIATE MENTAL HEALTH CENTER BEFORE COMING TO PROBATE COURT. The Probate Court can only assist after the Mental Health Center (MHC) has done an initial screening. When Involuntary Commitment is needed you must go to the Mental Health Center to complete documents for a JUDICIAL COMMITMENT. This is ap
If you have personal knowledge of an adult (a person 18 years old or older) or child who suffers from mental illness or chemical dependence (alcohol or drug addiction) who is endangering himself or others and is unwilling to get help, the person may need involuntary commitment at a facility for treatment. Only a mental health professional, i.e. medical doctor, can determine whether or not commitment is necessary. FOR ADULTS: A person 18 years old or older or a child sixteen or older: If you know a person, mentally ill, needing involuntary commitment, contact: FAIRFIELD COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC 1073 Highway 321 By-Pass Winnsboro, SC 29180 (803) 635-4689 Hours 8:30AM – 5PM DO NOT COME TO THE PROBATE COURT FIRST; GO TO THE APPROPRIATE MENTAL HEALTH CENTER BEFORE COMING TO PROBATE COURT. The Probate Court can only assist after the Mental Health Center (MHC) has done an initial screening. FOR CHILDREN: A child under the age of sixteen can receive treatment upon the consent of the legal c
