PSYCH 270 Chapter Notes - Chapter 14: Outpatient Commitment, Parens Patriae, Grave Danger
Document Summary
The person has a mental illness and is in need of treatment. The person is dangerous to himself or herself or others. The person is unable to care for himself, a situation considered a grave. Two types of authorities permit the government to take action against citizen will disability . Government takes responsibility for protecting the public health, safety, and welcafe. Parens patriae (state or country as the parent) When citizens are not working in their own best interest. Begins with petition by a relative or mental health professional to a judge. Court may request an examination to assess psychological status, ability for self-care, need for treatment and potential for harm. The rights of the person being examined are taken into account too. Court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment: person with severe mental illness agrees to receive treatment as a condition for continuing to live in the community. Short-term commitment: made without formal proceedings due to grave danger.
