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Involuntary Committals |
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An involuntary committal is an action through the court in which a client is ordered by
the court to attend treatment.
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A client has a physical by a medical physician and an evaluation from a counselor not employed
by this facility and these papers are filed with a petition for an involuntary committal.
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The client has to make an appearance in front of a judge and either admit to or deny the petition.
If a client admits to the petition it is a quick hearing and the judge usually goes along with the
recommendation for treatment and just orders the client to complete whatever program has been specified.
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If a client denies the petition then a hearing is set later on. (It has to occur within 10 days
of the initial court appearance.) The state then has to prove that the client is in need of treatment.
He usually has the examining physician, the counselor who did the evaluation, family members who are
interested in getting the client some help and anyone else who is knowledgeable with the case as a
witness to testify for the commitment.
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The client is also able to call witnesses on his/her behalf.
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If the state proves that the need for the commitment exists then the court orders the client
to treatment. If it is proven that the need does not exist then the case is dismissed and the
client is free to go.
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An involuntary committal can not exceed 90 days. (From the time that client attends the court hearing.)
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