Baker Act

The Baker Act is a legal provision for getting proper care and treatment for mentally ill individuals in a dignified manner, and ensuring the return of the patient to the community as soon as possible.

Provisions of the Baker Act allow for the involuntary treatment of individuals, if very specific conditions are met. These conditions may include the belief that a friend or family member is mentally ill and because of the illness is refusing examination and treatment by health care professionals, and the belief that that without care or treatment the person is likely to suffer from neglect and is a possible threat to self and/or to others.

To initiate a Baker Act proceeding, contact the clerk of the civil court in your county for more information, or call 911 for assistance by law-enforcement.

Marchman Act

The Marchman Act provides for the involuntary assessment and stabilization of a person who appears to be abusing substances such as drugs or alcohol.

To initiate the Marchman Act, call the Wakulla County clerk of the civil court at 926-0905 for information on how to file a petition.

Typically, one blood relative, spouse or three individuals not related by blood must file the petition. There is no fee to file the petition.

After the petition is filed, a hearing is scheduled to order an assessment. A second hearing is scheduled two weeks after the first hearing is held.

If treatment is ordered, either residential or out-patient, the order will be valid for 60 days from the date of the order.

Communicating with a Person with a Brain Disorder

A poet has defined mental illness as "the crippling of the organ of reciprocity." Certainly one of its' most characteristic aspects is the difficulty, even breakdown, of communication between the stricken person and others.

Communicating effectively does not solve all problems or make your relative well, but it usually makes things better. It won't make as much difference as you wish it could, and this is important to remember. Communicating in specific ways is very important for the mentally ill who are confused, can't always understand, or may misinterpret. For example, "Do you think you could take out the trash?" may receive the reply, "I don't think about the trash at all," or "Of course I think I could do it," followed by not taking out the trash.

Be fearful

Have trouble with "reality"

Be insecure

Have trouble concentrating

Be over- stimulated

Easily become agitated (not to be confused with dangerous)

Have poor judgment

Be preoccupied

Be withdrawn

Have changing emotions

Have confused plans

Have little empathy for others

Believe delusions

Have low self- esteem

Be simple, truthful, not sarcastic

Stay calm

Be accepting

Be brief, repeat

Limit input; not force discussion

Recognize agitation, allow retreat

Not always expect rational discussion

First get his/her attention

Initiate conversation

Disregard

Stick to one plan

Recognize this as a symptom

Ignore; change subject; don't argue

Remain positive

Family Interaction with Law Enforcement

Having to call 911 is an extremely stressful situation. It is by definition an emergency. Not only do you have concern for the person about whom you are making the call, but you also want to make sure that you give law enforcement enough information so that they will be able to respond effectively and safely.

Try to control the volume of your voice. When you shout over the phone it is difficult for the 911 Operator to understand what you are saying. Certainly this is a very emotionally charged time, but if the Operator can only hear shouting, the information is not efficiently received.

Your name and address.

The patient's name.

Your relationship to the patient.

That the patient is mentally ill.

The patient's diagnosis (schizophrenia, Depression, etc.).

Any medication being used.

Has medication stopped? How long?

Describe what the patient is doing now.

Do you feel threatened?

Is there a history of violent acting out?

Does the patient hear voices?

Does the patient have fears?

Are there weapons available? (Try to remove them)

Location of patient in house?

Request a Crisis Intervention Trained (CIT) Officer, if available.

Have all the lights in the house turned on, so that all occupants can be clearly visible to the arriving officers. Have nothing in your hands if you come out of the house to meet the officers. Do not run up to the officers. They have no idea who you are and anything you may carry can possibly be interpreted as a weapon. It is essential that the officers responding to your emergency call establish a comfort zone - knowing who the patient is and that you, who possibly may also be agitated, are not a threat. As calmly as possible, identify yourself.

Who you are.

Who you have called about.

Your relationship to the patient.

That the patient has a mental illness.

What kind of mental illness.

Medication being taken.

Has medication stopped? When?

Is the patient violent or delusional (paranoid)?

History of suicide attempts?

The attending psychiatrist's or manager's name, if any, and phone #.

Officers responding to a 911 emergency call are very focused when they arrive on the scene. First, they will make the scene safe for you, the patient, and themselves. The more informed and at ease the officers are, the less likelihood that someone will get injured or that the situation will worsen. Spend all the time that is necessary answering all of the officer's questions. Answer directly and concisely. Offer any advice you deem helpful. Do not ramble. Officers tend to tune out persons who try to tell their entire life's story. After this is done, they will usually be able to deal with you and to answer any questions. Although it is difficult in times of crisis, being patient is essential.