What is it? | How it works | The Process | Voluntary Admission | What happens afterward?
Mental health issues are often difficult for society to manage, especially in situations where troubled individuals refuse to seek the help they might need. This can be particularly problematic in cases where someone with a possible mental illness is believed to be a potential threat to himself or others. Some jurisdictions have attempted to cope with those concerns through legislation that allows involuntary institutionalization for mental health examination. The Florida Mental Health Act of 1971 – otherwise known as the Baker Act provides certain persons with the power to temporarily send potentially troubled individuals to mental health institutions.
But what happens when you Baker Act someone?
What is the Baker Act?
The Baker Act is an existing law that provides for temporary institutionalization of individuals who meet certain criteria. It can only be used by specific authorized persons, including judges, mental health professionals, law enforcement personnel, and doctors. More importantly, the law is limited by the fact that those officials must have sound evidence suggesting that the individual might meet the Act’s definition for mental illness. In addition, in order to be baker-acted, he must pose a risk of harm to himself or others – or demonstrate self-neglect.
It should be noted that the statutory criteria require more than mere suspicion of mental illness or potential risk. The statute specifically calls for “substantial” evidence, which is much higher bar than simple suspicion. As a result, people cannot be involuntarily institutionalized simply because they’re acting strangely, refuse to seek psychiatric examinations, or have occasional mood swings or outbursts.
There must be ample evidence of possible mental illness, coupled with a strong potential for harm to self or others. Typically, that requires some sort of recent behavior that suggests a serious risk.
What Does It Mean to be Baker-acted?
When an individual is believed to meet the statutory criteria for involuntary institutionalization, they are being Baker-acted, and he or she is taken into custody and delivered to a mental health facility for examination. The law applies equally to all persons in Florida, regardless of age. There are, however, some differences in the amount of time that adults and minors can be held. The facility can hold an adult for no more than 72 hours, during which an involuntary mental health examination will be performed. Minors can only be held for 12 hours before the examination is initiated.
If the patient is held for longer than 12 hours, the law requires that he or she be examined by a health care professional within the first 24 hours of institutionalization. That examination must include an assessment of the patient’s medical stability, and must determine whether there are other factors at play other than psychiatric problems.
Facilities are required to provide notice to patient guardians, attorneys or other representatives no later than 24 hours after admission, and must document all contact attempts. For minors, notification must be provided as soon as the child arrives at the facility – though that parent or guardian notification can be delayed by a full day if the facility suspects abuse and has contacted the appropriate central abuse hotline.
The Baker Act Process
The formal process for using the Baker Act is fairly straightforward. As noted, only judges, health care and mental health professionals, and law enforcement personnel can initiate the proceedings. To do that, there are certain procedural requirements that they must follow:
• Judges can issue what are known as “ex parte” orders. That type of order is used when the court has only heard from one side in a controversy. Typically, the court will be presented with evidence that a person could be suffering from mental health issues that make him or her a risk to self or others. If the judge finds that the evidence is compelling, an order will be issued to direct law enforcement instructing them to deliver the person to a mental health facility for examination.
• Medical and psychiatric personnel have a different process to follow when they use the Act. Doctors, social workers, and mental health professionals need to provide formal certification of a recent (within the prior 48 hours) examination that revealed that the patient is a candidate for involuntary commitment. That certificate is given to law enforcement personnel, who then take the person into custody and transport him to an examination facility.
• Law enforcement personnel are permitted to deliver anyone who seems to be risk to himself or others to an appropriate mental health facility.
Voluntary Admission to the Baker Act
The Baker Act also allows for adults to voluntarily apply for temporary institutionalization at a facility. This voluntary admission can also be used by parents who want to have their minor children examined at such a facility. Once there, the patient will be examined by facility personnel, and an assessment will be made of his or her mental health and potential for harming self or others. When the problem can be attributed to something other than psychiatric concerns, the patient will often be released. In cases where mental health issues require intervention, a treatment plan will be developed.
Though these types of admissions are technically voluntary, patients should understand that they may be detained at the facility for up to 24 hours after they request to leave. That delay is required to provide facility personnel with the time they need to determine whether an involuntary examination or treatment is required. In cases where that intervention is believed to be necessary, the facility has two days to file a petition asking the court to involuntarily commit the patient.
After the Mental Health Examination
Once the examination is complete, one of several things shall happen:
• If no intervention is needed, the patient will be released – unless, of course, the patient has been formally charged with criminal activity. In that case, he or she would be remanded to the custody of law enforcement officers.
• The patient may be asked to provide voluntary consent for admission, to receive any needed treatment.
• The patient may be released with a recommendation for outpatient mental health treatment. That treatment is voluntary in nature.
• In cases where intervention is necessary for a patient who refuses to agree to voluntary admission, the facility can seek involuntary commitment by petitioning the court.
Why the Baker Act is Important
Mental health is a serious concern, and laws like the Baker Act are intended to provide society with safeguards against identifiable potential threats. And while it remains a subject of controversy in some circles, the law is generally believed to provide valuable protection for the state of Florida. For people who have reason to believe that a loved one or friend may be a danger to himself or others, this act can sometimes be the only way to get that individual the right kind of assistance.
If you or a loved one is in need of mental health treatment or help with a substance use disorder in Florida, please contact the Family Center For Recovery.
I know someone close to me that is 6 mo pregnant. She hasn’t seen a Dr.yet. I’m very worried about the baby. She hasn’t made any plans and doesn’t seem concerned. She’s been diagnosed with bipolar, adhd, and some physical problems. She is self medicating which is a concern for the baby. Can you please help her.
Liz, thank you for seeking help. We have forwarded your email to our admissions department and they will be reaching out to you. We specialize in treating pregnant women with those disorders you mentioned, as well as substance use issues. If you need immediate assistance please call or have her call (855) 202-4220
With each of my kids, 6 of them… I had different cravings. None were drugs. One On my first child, i was nauseated. However, I had my husband shuck a bushel a day of oyster’s. Though now because of the bacteria red tide; it is not good! On another; My body craved tangerines. On the next I had two great brother in laws, race to my house; with cheese burgers plain. I ate them as they got to the door. Because I couldn’t keep anything down. The next I had allergies and used nose spray, now she has issues with breathing and with that and a birth control patch allergic reaction. She know has to sleep a specific way, on her side; Or she has seizures. On two of my children I smoked a few cigarettes per day and had a glass of wine; Now they have no want for cigarettes or alcohol.. However, your right! What you take or eat can make a difference. Certain drugs and food items. Can cause back issues for the child. Coffee made me extremely hyper! Even the smells of certain types of products such as bleach. Can hurt a child. But thanks to God, my children turned out healthy and strong.
Is it possible to baker act myself??
What help is their for a person whom you believe has a mental issue or that may be suffering from ptsd, and possibly on drugs. She just got her kids taking away and I believe things are going to get worse.
My girlfriend who is 16 was bakeracted on Monday April 9, 2018 but she still hasn’t been released even though it’s the 13th of April. Is it legal to keep her for more than 72 hours?
How did she end up Baker Acted? Because at this point! Baker Acting and Guinea pigism is making lots of HealthCare Companies money. Never sign any papers offered. Or you have just volunteered yourself.. It is called Privacy Act.. The Clinicians in these places, some do not even contact your Primary Care Doctor. So they don’t even check to see if you have known allergies to Meds. The Doctor has 72 hours with you. Right of the bat you start asking for the paper to be seen by a Judge, that might be in on the scheme. So family involvement in Court is extremely necessary! "With the Statement of "Why is she here!" Drug Companies have been sued, for making deals with hospital’s and drs. in the name of money! So in the process you are talking about here! They hope you have no family! And do not care how much of your time they waste… Or if you loose your job!
The Baker At should not be a law. It is terrible.
What’s terrible about helping someone who is a threat to themselves and or society. Ppl that have drug or mental health issues and refuse treatment should absolutely be baker-acted. I was baker acted at 22 and it saved my life.
I really like the idea of this law. I have seen it do really good things for my wife. As much as I may miss her, she, has a good heart, and I want only what’s best for her. Thanks Florida for having an amazing system in place to help people like myself and my wife. New York does not have these laws, and, I see how bad it turns people up there. Must be why florida has much nicer people in it. Because, amazing how people can actually care. And people do down here. I’m so thankful for the system here. I’ve seen good things come of it, and, anyone who complains about the law is just someone who doesn’t care to be treated for their own mental health issues. Meds don’t fix problems folks, they suppress the issues at hand. It’s always better to talk about your problems and Florida seems to get that. Where as up north they just drug you up, and, call the problem solved.
Hello Justin, A Baker Act is 72 hours minimum and patients are often kept longer, if deemed medically necessary for stabilization. Sometimes continuing care is necessary and a patient will not be released until a plan is in place. Since your girlfriend is under 18, her parents or legal guardians will definitely be involved in the process of her discharge. Here at Family Center For Recovery we have exceptional mental health and substance use disorder treatment for adolescents. Please call me at 561-223-2001 if we can provide any additional assistance!
The school baker acted our 9 yr old son after he made a comment about killing a kid that cut in front of him in line. During a interview process that we were not present for they say that some red flags for suicide were set off so they Baker Acted him. No other previous issues for behaviour like this. How long can they keep him ? And when can we see him ? What can we do while they examine him ?
My daughter is 43bipolar n just found out that she also on meth.she needs long term impatient care for the bipolar n. Drugs.? Don’t know what to do but 72hours would not help her. Idont want to loose my daughter please help!
It is ashame that your child at such a young age, is still getting bullied at school! Where was the teacher or school official to intervene? Your teacher should know how you normally act in school, if you are good! Or is he at the wrong School? He has to becareful how he approaches other people, word wise! Please explain this too him! Anything happen to the bully?
Because at this point! Baker Acting and Guinea pigism is making lots of HealthCare Companies money. Never sign any papers offered. Or you have just volunteered yourself.. It is called Privacy Act.. The Clinicians in these places, some do not even contact your Primary Care Doctor. So they don’t even check to see if you have known allergies to Meds. The Doctor has 72 hours with you. Right of the bat you start asking for the paper to be seen by a Judge, that might be in on the scheme. So family involvement in Court is extremely necessary! "With the Statement of "Why is He here!" Drug Companies have been sued, for making deals with hospital’s and drs. in the name of money! So in the process you are talking about here! They hope you have no family! And do not care how much of your time they waste… Or if you loose your job!
Thank you for reaching out to Family Center For Recovery. A Baker Act allows the receiving facility to psychiatrically evaluate your son, and to keep him in care until he is deemed no longer a threat to himself or others. Here at FCFR we are licensed to care for adolescents age 13 and above. Please contact the Baker Act facility that he is in for more information regarding communication and visitation.
I am commenting in regards to my mother. She lost her house about 5 years ago. Since then she has turned to hopping around and living in unfit conditions. She had turned to using meth and has been ripping her own hair out until she has now a huge bald spot. She claims to have bird mites crawlin in her skin. She Has terrible mood swings. Won’t eat or sleep for days. Her roof of the trailer she’s been staying at had been ripped off from a hurricane and she’s continued to live there with black mold growing in and rain pouring into the house when it rains. She claims to see demons and believes she is possessed. She has claimed the government is out to get her and that people are watching her. She has had the policed called on her for breaking & attempting to break into peoples homes looking for my brother in the middle of the night claiming “god said he was there” (even though he is safe at home living with his father) She has an obsession with praying and talking to god thinking he will solve all her problems. She has not shown any attempt to get a job or rebuild her life. When she does have some ambition she puts it towards doing random things like planting a garden or fixing her roof on her own but never accomplishes anything. She constantly does things to put herself in danger and has now written two suicide notes. Just the other day she drove around and ran out of gas, left her car with the keys in it, her ID, phone, & wallet and walked 7 hours home. The car had been towed and if I never got it out she would have just left it there. She also has a case against her for animal neglect. A neighbor called after one of her three dogs had puppies and looked extremely unhealthy. All 13 dogs were taken from her house because she went 2-3 days with out the water or electric on so when the cops came she couldn’t put water in their bowls. She has not even attempted to call or show up to court to get them back yet obsesses over it and wants me to take care of it. She shakes and her eyes are glossed over and has admitted to using drugs but thinks she is not addicted. And maybe it’s more than drugs. The list honestly goes on but I am pretty sure that is all enough of a reason to BakerAc someone. I honestly just don’t want to make the worse decision and have no idea how this works. She needs help.
Thank you for reaching out to Family Center For Recovery. I can understand your frustration in trying to help your mother. For a Baker Act to be applicable an individual must be a danger to themselves or others. It must be specific and timely. I am not a doctor, but the description of your mother’s behavior sounds like that of someone experiencing psychosis, a severe mental disorder in which thoughts and emotions are so impaired that contact is sometimes lost with reality. Should you decide to move forward and enlist the co-operation of the police to Baker Act your mother, understanding and using the terms psychotic and delusional if applicable, or even "reacting to stimulus that isn’t there", will help get the message across that their presence is needed immediately. When they arrive you must have specific and immediate (no past stories) evidence that your mother is a danger to herself or others. Be prepared to ask her a question or two that she will answer in a way that demonstrates this in front of the officers. If there is a current suicide note, that would certainly be compelling evidence. Here at Family Center For Recovery we can help with stabilization and residential care for mental health issues. Please call me if you’d like to consider treatment for your Mom. We can discuss ways to get her here to FCFR and into quality care, perhaps assisting you with a Baker Act if necessary. Admissions 561-223-2001
Our son is a struggling meth addict. He seems to suffer from paranoia, aggressive outbursts and suicidal thoughts. He refuses to get help. He lives in Texas but often insists on coming back to Florida to live with us. We do not want him to do this we want him to get help but continues to refuse help saying he has his problem under control. If he shows up on our doorstep, can we have him Baker Acted?
Everytime my boyfriend is upset or I tell him that I no longer want to be in a relationship with him, he tells me that I do not have an option. I try to keep things calm because he gets very angry. He has placed a gun to his head saying that he’s willing to kill himself, or he claims that he will do something dangerous. How can I get help for him? I no longer wish to be involved with this person, but I also don’t want him to harm himself.
Greetings,
My husband and I are going through a divorce. I suspect that he is trying to Baker Act me. I have never had any problems with the law, I pay my taxes, I am good citizen, and served the military honorably. I have a wonderful job and am a woman of faith. I filed the divorce because truly he may be the one with mental issues. If he were to try and do this, is this legal?
Hello Maria, For a Baker Act to be relevant you must have demonstrated a desire to harm yourself or someone else. Unless someone has specific, detailed evidence of this, a Baker Act cannot be utilized.I do hope your situation becomes less volatile and you are able to end your marriage more peacefully. Often a major life change like this warrants seeing a therapist for support. Don’t hesitate to call if I can be of further assistance . Arlene Van Oss, Family Center for Recovery Admissions 561-223-2001
How does being baker acted as a teenager affect you as an adult
I have a very close friend who lost her husband to ALS a month ago. For the past 8 years, she has self-medicated by drinking. Prior to her husband’s death, she was hospitalized overnight for alcohol induced pancreatitis. Since her husband’s death she is drinking heavily, has stopped eating, and has no will to live. She has suicidal ideations. Can I Baker Act my friend? She needs to be in rehab for substance abuse and an eating disorder.
Dear Nina,
Thank you for reaching out to Family Center For Recovery. We understand the concern you have for your friend and the symptoms you report do require profession attention as soon as possible. The criteria for a Baker Act is that the individual be deemed a danger to themselves or others within the time frame first responders are present to witness behavior or statements which indicates this state of mind. For a Baker Act call to be successful your friend will need to let police know that she has an intention of harming herself or demonstrate this in some way. If this is unlikely due to her inability to recognize the need for treatment for her alcoholism, perhaps a Marchman Act could be utilized to legally compel addiction treatment. Here at the Family Center For Recovery we often help families and friends navigate the legal system to successfully obtain the initial court order for assessment with FCFR as the receiving facility. Please feel free to call me directly if I can be of assistance. 561-223-2001
Hello Anna, I under how distressing it is to try to help a resistant family member who struggles with mental health and substance use issues. If your daughter meets criteria for a Baker Act the first step is to get her to safety so she can not harm herself or another. Once she is safe you can consider the next steps for continuing care. Perhaps a Marchman Act will compel your daughter to treatment for her substance issues and that will provide an opportunity for longer term mental health care as well. You will want to choose a facility that has a license to provide mental health care as well as substance use treatment. Please see the Marchman Act article here on our website and call us if we can be helpful. 561-223-2001
Both my parents are on the title to the house. If my dad were to bakeract my mom for harmful and threatening words towards herself and us, would we be required to accept her back into the house?
What do you suggest I do when I have received my father’s neuropsych test results which indicates dementia and behavioral health concerns. He is unaware of this diagnosis and he was place in a hospital under Baker Act 3. Of course he refuses to talk to me (as he feels I’m telling the doctors he has a memory issue) and will not allow me to send his test results to them to inform them of his most recent? He is of poor health and doesn’t know how to take his meds…and BTW I’m in WI and he’s now in FL.
Is the Baker Act only for Florida? Does it work in California? Or is there something like it in California? My sister lives in Florida and told me about this.
Need to voluntarily baker act my self
Have tried to kill my self 2 times in past month
Battling sever depression with panic attacks
I need help
How do I go about this
If my sister who 25 and got backer acted can she leave the state?
The baker act is being misused. They are baker acting people with dementia and Alzheimer’s that may in one moment act out or threaten someone but does not remember they did that two seconds later. ALF’s and nursing homes will send patients to be baker acted because they don’t want to take care of them and then the mental health facility is left with finding them somewhere to go. Family members will have parents baker acted to get them out of the house so they can spend their parents money. It is wrong to baker act our senior population. They have no dignity in these places and are forced to take medication that states “ do not give to elderly or patients with dementia as may cause death or stroke.”
When your baker acted under 18 are you able to talk to other people in the same facilty as you like in person? (I mean other patients not nurses)
My brother is a drug (cocaine, Xanax, pot, LSD, acid, etc) addict and alcoholic who lives at home with our dad. He is 24. He has previously OD, but pulled through. When he is intoxicated he randomly snaps and will start aggressively fighting random people,attacking family members, punching doors, etc. After he comes down and is “sober”, he talks about how “much of a loser he is” and talks about suicide. He has been kicked out of the house before, but my father always lets him come back. We are out of options of what to do, as he does not want help. He does not work, nor want to work, and thinks he has been dying for 10 years. He always has issues that doctors have never been able to find, but insists he is dying from it (he is perfectly healthy). We don’t know what to do. Could the baker act help?
My 11 yr old daughter was baker acted yesterday from school. The police took her straight to the hospital . I was not notified until after they did what they had to do! I find the law in Florida to be crazy! That’s my baby and I’m worried sick about her. It’s the second time in 3 weeks that she’s been baker acted from school! I’m so frustrated !
My cousin is 19 and has been homeless living in his car for over a year. He is recovering from addiction and cannot hold a consistent job. Every time i talk to him, he makes some progress and the throws it all away. The last time we spoke, he made suicidal remarks ‘I give up on life’ ‘i want to kill myself’ and I’m at my ropes end bc I want to help so bad but he lies constantly and refuses to get help. I am considering having him Baker Acted. Any advice or information would be amazing. Thank you.
Iam not on any drugs or have any addition issues I am just very sad and really gave up on myself I have no one my family lives in Michigan however I do have a husband who is very aggressive and mean he’s the one that works and I’m alone slot i sometimes don’t eat for days he doesn’t care or want to hear me at all about anything if I start crying he gets very angry I’m very sad and everyday that goes by I think about just ending my missrible live
My son was in a residential treatment facility. He had been doing very well for 16 months on a Clozapine regimen- 10 months at this residential home. They “ran out “ of his Clozapine for 6 days, causing not only a psychiatric crisis but also a medical and life-threatening crisis. For six days my son asked for his Clozapine, as did we, his parents. Once baker acted on the 6th day, he was escorted to a psychiatric hospital where he received forced injections of haldol (which he can not tolerate), versed and Ativan. This hospital decided not to keep him due to medical concerns. Labs off and he fell and hit his head. In ambulance ride to next hospital, he was forcibly given more haldol, verses and Ativan injections. At the ER of the medical hospital, his father and I were waiting for him. He was not combative or violent. He was refusing a CT scan, so they forcibly injected him with Geodon and Ativan. I informed the hospital that he cannot tolerate Geodon or haldol, yet they still gave it to him. He was admitted to medical because he was so physically ill due to abrupt forced cessation of his Clozapine. This is unethical to say the least.
Next day in medical: forced injection of haldol and Ativan. Late after midnight into the third day my son was transferred FROM medical TO psych “in respiratory distress and in restraints “. This is documented. Why? There they forcibly injected him with zyprexa, benztropine, restoril and more- I have documentation. They left him in isolation to suffer seizures and from their overdose. He suffered 12-16 hours until my husband and I came to visit. The nirse said we could not visit him because he was “in crisis “. When I found out that the agonizing groans I was hearing were my son, I insisted I see him. They put him in the TV room. This is what we saw:
Upon entering the room we see: my son seated, completely rigid, beet red skin, every muscle tightly flexed, back arched, head thrown back, profusely sweating, eyes rolling back in his head, white foam pouring out of his mouth. Every time he struggled to breathe, I heard gurgling sounds. He struggled so hard to get air. I held his hand and said I was there. He desperately tried to talk as white foam and agonizing groans came out of his mouth- every muscle tensed- struggling. This is when I noticed his jaw was clenched tightly shut. He could not talk. Med tech with towel constantly wiping up white foam pouring out of his mouth. Then, as I looked at him, his right eye began to spontaneously bleed in two places, filling his eye with blood. I asked what was going on. I was told to leave. I refused to leave and insisted he get medical help because he could not even breathe. Finally, they ended up rushing him to ICU only because I insisted they help him.
ICU documentation: patient arrived “with respiratory failure, kidney injury with rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle damage), leukocytosis, dehydration, abnormal EKGs, Clozapine withdraws (that was forced upon him), and more.” They had to work on him48 minutes to get him to breathe. They put him on a bi-pap machine to push out fluids and heavily sedated him with precedex and Ativan IV drips. He was near death. The psych floor was just letting him suffer for at least 12-16 hours- waiting for him to just die. I stopped that from happening they were angry.
Note: my uncle died from an overdose of OxyContin and he was found dead, with white foam pouring out of his mouth. What would have happened had we not gone to visit him and insisted we see him then insisted he get medical help? He would be dead right now.
Dr. Luciano from ICU wrote in his admitting consult: A total of 48 minutes of direct delivery of medical care (excluding time for procedures) involving decision making of high complexity needed to assess, manipulate, and support vital organ system failure and/or to prevent further life threatening deterioration of the patient’s condition…
Electronically Signed By:
Luciano, Jose F MD on 07.28.2018 08:16 PM
He had little time to rest from this near death experience before he was thrown into psych, the family was cut off from him because the doctor restricted visitation and phone calls. They appointed a stranger as his medical proxy. They beat him, drugged him some more(now adding Thorazine to the mix), and put him in restraints.
There is so much more to this awful situation. How is this helpful for him? It was all unnecessary since he was stable on Clozapine. The beatings and drugging. My son is finally home from the residential treatment facility. He did not receive the medical help he needed there. After discharge from the hospital he was vomiting every day, nauseous, had no peripheral vision, confused, severe fatigue, insatiable thirst and more. From 8-8-18 u tntil he could come home 9-26-18.
How was any of that to his benefit? The second time he was in psych, the psychiatrist wrote awful things about him, claiming he is violent. He has never been violent his entire life, even when psychotic. A NAMI advocate helped me get him out of that torture chamber.
Now I have a very sick and very traumatized young man. He has gone hundreds of steps backwards and trusts no one. I would have died had that been done to me. How could any of us have that much mind-altering medication injected into our bodies and come out alive or unscathed?
How was this beneficial to my son? I have lost trust in the mental health system of FL myself. My son has received much abuse. How can I get help for my son now?
Find a lawyer and file suit for medical negligence.
I feel for your family going through that ordeal. The baker act system is f*cked in my opinion as well.
My Son was Baker Acted on Thursday Morning – 72 hours is Sunday. The VA facility says they don’t have "staff" to release on Sunday so he has to wait until Monday. Is that legal?
My son was Baker Act by the police department. They held him for three days even though he did not want to stay in the hospital. Now the hospital has sent him a bill for $11,000.00 dollars. He does not have that kind of money. He may have to declare bankruptcy, that only cost about $500.00 dollars.
My boyfriends parents baker acted him he’s under 18 when will he be home ?
My son turn 30 this year.he moved back here stay with me not divorce yet.He lie to us all the time we notice he is a bulimia.get the food out after a meal.I know he drink he lie about that.hes been in the hospital of low potassium and dehydration low magnesium.and my husband and I think of his spiting food.but he lie and said he is fine.I don’t know if its mental or what.but I think he need help he have eating disorder and alchol.
When guns are seized under the baker act, what is the procedure for them to be returned?
Im an adult and got baker acted when i was trying to move out of my parents house. My parents threatened to have me baker acted because i wasnt taking my medication, when they themselves prevented me from having it. So they forced me to come back to their house and i tried to just grab the medication and run because they’re very abusive people and i didnt want to stay there more than i had to. When i got outside they actually tackled me down and prevented me from leaving but i managed to get away and go to a house down the block asking if they could called the police. I told them what happened and they still baker acted me. So honestly fuck those crooked cops for doing that based on hearsay and fuck you’re whole dumbass baker act system. youre not fucking helping anyone with your 3 day mandatory bullshit.
I feel for you and the horrible experience you had. I hope you’re doing better now and do not have to deal with your folks.
I take care of my 97 yr old aunt she is very aggressive and wants to control everything yells all the time and insults everyone
My brother is very I’ll mentally and physically. He lives alone and has been out of control With audio and visual hallucinations. He has Tore up his house and is unable to care for himself I am afraid to go to help him as he has made threats against me. He cannot live on his own anymore and I don’t know how to help him. He is on SSI for his mental illness. What can I do? He is going to die over there if i can’t get him some help. I have sent the police to check on him and they have done nothing. Please help.
Yes June 14th approximately at the midnight hour my roommate was taken in by the Tampa sheriff’s department to be Baker Acted due to taking over 30 trazadone, and in front of my soon to be 18 year old daughter and her childhood friend there was deep concern about his mental stability as he is a veteran and I did go with him on several occasions to his re a therapist and he too is aware of the situation my concern is I don’t know how to reach them to see how hes doing if they plan on keeping him if they’re transferring him to the VAI have no way of following up could you provide me a phone number you can text it to 7276571979 I am urgently concerned about his returning as he has had severe problems in the upcoming weeks that led to this situation and I have my daughter to raise here in my home so her safety is my 1st concern not to mention that the condo association where I live is explaining to me that he will have to be taken off with the lease so I don’t know how they would let him out if he doesn’t have a place to go to none the less I’m still trying to be a friend and find out how I can find out how hes doing and when he may or may not be released a friend
My father is exhibiting symptoms of advanced dimentia. He misplaces things like his wallet and then accuses family member of stealing it from him. What’s worse is that he owns a firearm and I am very very worried he could harm himself or someone else. If I have him committed and declared mentally incompetent he is going to go bat shit crazy and who knows what he might do then. I am not sure what’s worse the disease or the treatment.
There are some midway options as well.
Would recommend looking up partial hospitalization program (php)
as well as intensive outpatient programs (iop).
To my knowledge iop is 3days a week, php 5 days a week, both for 4hours a day doing group therapy. Both will also have the patient seeing a psychiatrist weekly. I’m not sure about php, however I was told for iop- patients only see a therapist once every other week.
There are also support groups for those suffering and those living with/taking care of those suffering from mental illness.
Some useful resources:
National Alliance on Mental Illness – https://www.nami.org
Depression Bipolar Support Alliance -https://www.dbsalliance.org
Can a patient be held forever in a mental facility?My husband is a police officer who went to Florida FHE to get help for Sever depression and he said he wanted to hurt himself
So Hennessey in a mental ward then my in-laws went to Florida to get him and said if they didn’t he’d be locked up for life.How can that be true.He’s an active police officer getting help.He’s on a medical leave for now.
I feel for both you and your husband.
There’s a dirty little secret, you will go mental in a mental ward. Look up the Stanford Prison Experiments. Me personally, I felt more suicidal inside the mental ward than ever before.
The next dirty little secret, have to avoid any mention or notion of suicide ideation. From what I was told by various techs and lcsw, those with depression/anxiety do tend get locked up and traumatized by being baker acted. There seems to be a severe lack of distinguishment between active suicidal planning and attempts vs passive ideation. A lot of people think it will help and I hope it does for them, for me, I feel worse off than before- bit of irony eh?
The only person who will release your husband is his psychiatrist. Granted, all interactions your husband has with staff and other patients will be a factor. If you can visit him, I would recommend it. The same for calling. My friend on the outside was a literal life line of support for me.
Some useful resources:
National Alliance on Mental Illness – https://www.nami.org
Depression Bipolar Support Alliance – https://www.dbsalliance.org
On March 15th , I moved into "Forever home" in Port Orange and my new "roommate" was living with some of his family member’s. He kept putting moving into this house off when he knew I was depending on his financial help with his agreed upon 1/2 of rent and all utilities. His nephews slowly moved His stuff into the house but he didn’t have a bed he slept on His couch 2-3 night’s before the V. A. brought him an electric bed. That was 2months ago, he sleeps on the couch, won’t shower without him screaming at me and arguing about nothing related and with such hate on his face, the whole time he’s stinking up the house. THAT WAS IN APRIL AND HE HAS NEVER SLEPT IN HIS BEDROOM I have the Master bed and bath, YET NO PRIVACY HE IS CONSTANTLY SCREAMING AND YELLING THINGS THAT MAKE NO SENCE TO ME AND NAMES I’M NOT FAMILIAR WITH. His face changes completely, DR. JECKLE AND MR. HYDE (HE ASKED ME IF HE COULD BE MY ROOMMATE In December) We agreed on 50/50 with chores, clean up after ourselves, HE LIED THEN AND IS AN HABITUALIsoso! HE says he has COPD, And he has oxygen machines in the house AND HE’S STILL SMOKING. I’m scared to death he’s going to blow us all up! I don’t think he knows who I am half the time. I have stopped talking to him completely because no mater how nicely I ask him to shower he starts screaming an argument he had 50 years ago with somebody I never knew!! I’m retired, I have friends, I used to spend s lot of time on the beach, but No more, I wont leave the house for more than 2 hours at a time, I come in and out so scared he’s going to kill my cat, ( my youngest child) OR ME. He tried to start an electrical fire in the kitchen two days ago. It’s been 4 days, still no bath and His family only says "I’ll talk to him" they don’t and I can’t be gone from the house long for fear everything I have left in my life will be broken, burned or stollen and my beloved cat dead. I think he’s tried to kill himself, he has tons of pill bottle’s all over the house. This is my RETIREMENT DREAM LIFE TURNED INTO A SLEEPLESS "TWILIGHT ZONE" I’M DISABLED TOO I HAVE HAD ASTHMA FOR 20 years and breathing hot air for too long will put me in the hospital. He has changed the A/C thermostat from 73° to 80° 5 times and This last time The gloves came off. I spoke to him to mind his own business, KEEP HIS HANDS OFF THE THERMOSTAT and sleep in his bedroom and I thought he was going to beat me, both fists clenched. I have stop talking about this hateful, mean, l dilusional 70 year old with the temper of a 5 year old. I will have him evicted, his family doesn’t seem concerned about his health and he’s not my responsability. Can I call the police to have him removed and get him psychological help?
I think it would be beneficial for my grand daughter to be examined. (I have sole custody) She is 12, suffers with depression, has cut herself, smoke weed all the time. She sees a counselor. I’ve called DCF on her for MY safety and has ADHD. She was suspended the last 2 weeks of school for drug possession & use. Please help!
can you backer’s act a person who hears voices,but no harm to anyone?
I was held for over 10 days at Lakeside (aka Aspire in Orlando.) I had been Baker Acted. I am diagnosed schizoaffective. While there I was put in isolation and restraints until I wet my pants after I complained about the food. I wore no wrist ID band. I was bruised and manhandled by a male tech.
I was forcibly injected in both thighs while I was in restraints–I wasn’t struggling. I woke up with a female patient in bed with me at 3 a.m. I slipped and almost fractured my arm while crossing the hall to the nurses’ station, (the hallway was flooded.) There are no water sprinkler systems installed overhead even on the 4th floor (1800 Mercy Drive, Orlando, FL 32808.) There was a young female patient who was severely autistic. She could neither feed or shower herself. She couldn’t brush her own hair. She was there for 7 days. In bone was served (with lots of sauce), and a 6" napkin. This young girl wore the same food-drenched scrub top for 3 days. I have tried all channels I can think of to report these health, safety and abuse violations against Aspire (Lakeside Hospital). They have gotten me no where. The reports are ignored, the abuse and neglect continues. No one in Orlando cares about the mentally ill and homeless unless you have the money to do something to change and improve the situation. To date I don’t have the money or influence. I don’t have a car, am female, 63 years old and am invisible as far as civil rights are concerned.
My 65 year old brother has been exhibiting signs of dementia for at least 5 years. He cannot pay bills anymore, has trouble with the tv remote, cell phone. He gets lost driving and drives a Toyota Highlander and 2 motorcycles. In a short 10 minute conversation he repeats himself constantly.??He does not remember what you say to him 5 minutes later. In addition he drinks alcohol heavily, gets drunk, falls, is incontinent and sometimes violent. He knows he has a problem but will not see a doctor. Also his wife sits on her hands and does nothing. I am afraid that he will drive and kill someone. Is he a candidate for the Baker Act?
Dont know what to do with a adult male family member who has been Baker Acted a few times far from my family. I would like to find him a housing facility in south florida that can house him for long term.
when law enforcement is given the arbitrary decision over someone’s life. baker act
Husband is 86 yrs old, suffering from delusions and paranoia. He is verbal abusive and drinks alcohol. Becoming afraid for my safety. Can he be Baker acted?
Yes
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My mother has been Baker Acted 5 times in the last 16 month’s. She’s at home now. She won’t take meds prescribed for her illness. I live with her, and know she needs help.
Ever ask her why she won’t take those meds?
Have you check out the side effects or inquired if the meds have worked for her?
I know I need help and I refuse to take any medication with potential suicidal ideation side effect as I’ve experienced that on Topamax and it was miserable.
I have been suffering from deppression for as long as i can remember but never came terms tp what it actually was when i started therapy about 3 years ago . Since then i have had 3 different therapists . The need to just leave and rid everyone of me and all the issues that I come with Seems easier. I have tried medication (Citalopram) but it has only cause me to take on another mental issue: anxiety. If i baker act myself will there be any hollistic options or is it all factory Medications. Maybe surgery or something to fix my wiring(kidding- not really. )
I made the initial comment about the surgery as a joke but I honestly would like some help , I hate feeling this way .
Would recommend seeking out local support groups in your area. Possibly also check out meetup.com and see if there are any groups that suit your interest and try to make a few new friends.
My mom is 64 has been abused alcohol for 30 plus years. She has lost her short term memory and was suicidal. We Baker Acted her she was discharged with promise to stop drinking. She is asking for beer again and getting violent with my father and hitting him and grabbing scissors to threaten him. We don’t want her in our life anymore as she has been ruining my life and my fathers life for years. She cannot work anymore and doesn’t eat or shower.
Thanks for information! Recently my stepson, 38, moved in with us from another state. My husband didn’t realize the severity of his son’s mental illness. Jordan was yelling at the news, pacing back & forth, and have delusions such as he stated that he has been to the family reunion of Judge ‘Jimbo’ Stephens or he doesn’t want to take medications because ‘it might harm the baby’. Additionally, using profanity words, Jordan would often accuse either me or his father a ‘spy’ and we would often wake up from sleep by his pyschotic episodes. Before he moved with us, he was incarcerated because of assaulting his mom. Therefore, the court had imposed a restraining order. Two years ago, Jordan was diagnosed with Bipolar, Parkinson’s, and social anxiety. Either he was misdiagnosed or the medications are not working. I fear for our safety. He had been confrontational. We called the sheriff one night because Jordan was screaming relentlessly, "Help me!" He told the officers that his dad had a gun, I’m lying, insane and we should be arrested. Unfortunately, both officers noted that since there was no crime committed, they cannot apply Baker’s Acts. They said that Jordan does not meet the criteria. He must pose a threat to himself or to others. What constitute ‘a danger to others"?
Update on earlier post dated Dec 20, my son was Baker Acted because he overdosed himself on prescribed medication and physically attack me. A sheriff acted decisively. We are anxiously waiting if he is finally getting help, that is, reevaluate his mental illness.
Can the police question someone that is picked up under the baker act? Since this person may be mentally unstable shouldn’t they be rquired to have the person assessed as stable before asking questions? person could be unfit to answer and all testimony invalid?
I m wondering if drug use which is harmful would be considered as a ground to be baker acted?
Baker act is specifically for harm to self or others. For Florida there is something called the Marchman act that is different.
My son is in Ny state, homeless, been hospitalized 3 times in 3 weeks for acute intoxication…bac was .44 yesterday and they released him after 10 hours at 3 am to frigid temps.Today same scenario…drunk in public..saying he doesn’t want to live…police will do nothing to help. He is a danger to himself, possibly others when rageful..please advise ..is Baker Act an option? I am in North Carolina. I am afraid he will die if not confined for evaluation. Just alcohol or likely other mental illness is uncertain Thank You.
Maureen
My (ex) husband. Still married. Decided he wanted to try loving more than one person. Moved her into our home and I decided I had the right to not agree with his choice. I contacted his father for advice and was helped with making the final choice to leave. He was physical with me as well which was toxic enough so I left. Unfortunately we had three children involved. He left with his father so I packed up the children as I think any mother would. My father then helped me move. A month went by of me trying to reach him to see if he would like to see the children and finally he got back to me. I brought the kids by and needed to supply Everything down to a place to sleep. I found myself caring for the children the entire time. Forcing him to take any kind of responsibility. Like nothing had changed. He then took the time to convince his and my family I was returning to him and had my ride convinced the same. Now to get a hand up he claims he has had me committed. Is this even possible.? And why would someone think false accusations are a proper way to go about getting custody?
It is incredibly sh*tty that you can voluntarily go to a hospital, attempt to voluntarily baker act yourself for severe depression and anxiety, and any mention of suicide ideation regardless of if you have no plans and the thoughts are passive- becomes an involuntarily baker act.
What’s worse is what seems to be the societal notion that medication is the answer- because guess what, that’s pretty much all they care about inside the mental ward. Seeing a therapist is something you do on the outside or in one of the groups during week days.
Oh, and don’t expect the psychiatrist to listen when you say the anxiety meds prescribed don’t work and you don’t want an anti depressant with potential suicide side effect.
Seek therapy, seek support groups, if you’re not actively trying or planning to commit suicide avoid hospitals.
The reasoning has been explained to me as this, my freedom is less important than the potential loss of their livelihood when they listen to me talk about my depression. Think about that- these mental health "professionals" don’t necessarily listen deeply enough- hear suicide in any capacity, and bam!
For those wondering about the intake process, it’s a bit dehumanizing and disorienting. Maybe it was because I was there during the weekend or that particular hospital, different nurses told me I could and couldn’t do different things like have my friend keep me company until all the paperwork was done. Being on the inside wasn’t much better, the mention of it being more focused on medication than anything else was true for me. There was supposed to be 5 hours of therapy, 2 of which was goals and wrap up goals, 2 of which were recreational / art therapy, and 1 of which was process group. Goals isn’t bad, never actually saw the place I was at have wrap up. Recreational therapy was nice as they literally cordoned off the bulk of the art supplies otherwise, was also the only time we were allowed to walk past the locked doors. & Process, usually wasn’t full hour, and personally found individually talking to other patients to be far more helpful than any of the groups. Oddly enough seems other patients are more likely to sincerely listen, something a lot of the patients I feel lacked in their lives, myself included.
Would also note that I felt the nursing and mental health techs were understaffed and overworked. How are patients supposed to get good treatment if the people working there aren’t feeling good and enjoying their job? Mind you- saying this from the perspective of a patient, and hoping this is a one off experience. I’ve been told by techs and lcsw that yeah, not the best idea unless you actively are planning/trying to hurt yourself to go to a hospital as they will ALWAYS err on the side of caution and baker act you involuntarily. Voluntarily you go without a cop standing guard, involuntarily you have that cop there from the time they slap the patient id wrist band on you til you’re behind the locked doors. They don’t tell you that you’ve just lost your freedom while trying to seek therapy/help.
Yes, I learned a new found appreciation for freedom, outdoors, sunlight directly on my face & not through a window, the feeling of the breeze against my skin.
I also become traumatized to hospitals and paranoid about any mention of suicide ideation which I imagine will make my recovery all the more difficult.
There is intensive outpatient therapy, I would recommend trying that if you’re feeling rough. I personally cannot say what it is like as I refused to go back knowing that I’d be seeing a randomly assigned psychiatrist once a week and therapist only once every other week, while doing group 3days a week for 4 hours. You can only have one therapist at a time and I had a therapist before being admitted and by no means was going to risk losing what I considered the rather great therapist for a randomly assigned one by the hospital that swapped my voluntarily status to involuntarily.
Voluntarily: just that, you can pretty much almost leave at will, there is paperwork and delays
Involuntarily: You’re stuck there til doc says otherwise, and sometimes I think the doc was a little liberal in letting some go. I know of at least one sweet soul struggling so badly she mentioned all the various ways in which she was planning to kill herself as she saw no way to make a life once on the outside.
Just a bit of food for thought for those wondering what being baker acted is like. I hope my experience was a rare one as the whole system seems f*cked and more of going through the motions than actually providing any substantial help.
My husband is on drugs really bad, he is sleeping in the streets, he has mentioned several times about committing harm to himself, how does he get help? He has ask me will I have him baker Act.
My 13 year old daughter was baker acted for 72 hours on Thursday at 1138am at Gulf Coast Regional Medical center. Her doctor told me to take her there. She was placed in the hallway of the hospital emergency room department. Till Friday at about 5pm. Only because I denied her video call with her therapist in the hallway again. She had 4 before that. She also was not allowed to take a shower or brush her teeth, brush her hair, put on deodorant or change her clothes even though I brought her the things to do so. I had to leave my daughter at the hospital at night alone. Because I had to go home and get some rest because I had no where to sleep in the hallway with her and be comfortable. I was recovering from a outpatient procedure and was not able to rest at the hospital, it put me in pain.
I was baker acted. My girlfriend at the time we broke up. I took something to sleep. She called the sheriffs and told the I tried to kill myself by drinking. Told the deputy that I just went to bed. Not true I was a sleep didn’t just go to bed. Deputy believe had I hard time trying to wake. When I woke I was in a dark room and couldn’t leave. Blood work showed no alcohol in my system. Is this legal.
How are they managing this during this time of national crisis amid Covid-19? What do I need to do to fill out an ex-parte in Florida? Can I do that online?
I was Baker Acted for acting strangely and not having a drivers’ license on me, but the police officer lied and said I was "psychotic and manic in the streets, homeless for a few days." Neither of those were true. And even if I was a bit energetic in trying to sell books at a gas station, approaching people, and thus looking suspicious, I was not a serious danger. My friend accidentally took my clutch purse that evening, and I had only my car and almost no gas. I was trying to figure out a way to get enough gas, that’s all. These days with the corona virus people are scared of you if you approach them. It was the gas station staff that called the police. They must have had no idea that I was not begging for money. I sold one book for 4 dollars. I was trying to sell one more. I should have left after the first one, in retrospect. The hospital staff believed the police of course. I was kept for a week! There’s nothing voluntary about being kept there. The meds they gave me were horrible, they gave me anxiety. The staff pumped me up with shots of Benadryl. It was horrible. I was basically held hostage and misdiagnosed as "psychotic" – it was unbearable. I was so angry when I read on my release papers that the reason for hospitalization read "homeless for a few days" – I mean how in the hell did they concoct that?! Based on the fact that my previous record shows I was baker acted twice before. That was all it took them. They just assumed I was "manic and psychotic" as if it’s an ongoing condition. I am still angry and don’t know where I can find a pro-bono lawyer or if it is worth trying to get justice at all. Please help.
Can law enforcement BakerAct take someone to hospital because someone lied on them. To just use the police so he can steal from her? She asked for an attorney but they said no. They humiliated her for no reason. She just wanted to be alone. Can she press charges on the officers?
I believe that my mother needs to be baker acted. I would like to explain our situation to someone, it is long, heartbreaking and my mom’s mental and physical well being is declining rapidly. Please help.
My mother has been out of control for about 5 weeks now she’s gotten to the point now where she’s harming herself and now she’s harming my dad my dad 76 years old she sprayed if four cans of Lysol over I’m in his face on his back everything for no reason just went off and did it she screams and yells around the house on top of her lungs calling him a bastard a piece of s*** she calls me names throws things slams things drinks alcohol every day 7 days a week is something’s got to be done about it her doctors know about it and nobody wants to help her and I can’t take it no more she’s got to be in an institution or something she needs treatment long-term treatment
I initiated the Baker Act on my Landlord who I rent a room from.
He has a criminal record and conviction for Obsession to Murder.
How will I know when he is released. He is currently planning the murder of two individuals.?
How do I know if someone needs to be Baker Acted? My ex is in a constant delusion that we are together and has had multiple outbursts of that of a child to some points of screaming. The other day he tried multiple times to use my phone cord to try and strangle himself. I am highly concerned for his safety.
We just lost my father on June 14th. My mother has had a problem with alcohol and pills for the past 8+ years.
I flew down to Florida to help with my father’s passing for 3 weeks. While down there my mother drove on an expired license to get alcohol while I was taking my youngest sister to the dentist. We came home to a pool of blood from her falling and cracking her head open. I took her to the er immediately and she was admitted for the night. Her blood alcohol was 3x legal limit. She is refusing to get help. Today my sister came home to find her asleep. She was unable to wake her. I had my sister count how many xanax were left in her pill bottle. She just picked it up 4 days ago and it was for 30 pills. She only has 7 left.
While down in florida my mother signed POA of medical over to me. I need to get her help and I don’t know where to start because she is refusing. I’m afraid she is going to take to many pills and kill herself. Can you please help me?
My daughter is suffering severe depression and panic attacks. She has a job but often cant make it to work. She can barely pay rent and has no insurance, but since she is employed, what will happen? She dosnt even stay at her place and she is 30 years old, she dosnt want to be alone. I think she is maybe fearful that she will follow through with her suicidal thoughts and also fears a panic attack. I have taken her to ER 4 times in last 6 months for severe panic. I know she needs counseling and to be put on proper medications. Her antidepressants used to work but are no longer effective.
I am 83 years old and have a 55 year-old daughter who I let come to stay temporarily. She has a long history of mental illness, is very abusive to me. She lays in bed 24/7, does not do personal hygiene. She does nothing to help me. I supply her entire living expense, etc., She has violent episodes and I am afraid of her. She is a threat to her own self. My attorney told me to call the Sheriff in Flagler County. They did nothing. They were supposed to take her to a facility for evaluation and get her some psychiatric help. How do I get out of my house and to a place where she is safe and I am safe? They can pull her records and see her history of mental problems, in and out of treatment, etc.,
Our son who is 25, lives at home was Baker acted today. 5 Sheriff’s arrive. He had posted that he might harm himself. That’s all we know. The person who saw his post and reported it is local. They spoke with that person at length outside our home yet refused to provide us with any information whatsoever. What are our rights? Is there a website detailing those? All we know now is our son was taken. Where he was taken to is not provided. We were given a case # by the sheriff but they refuse to provide any information now that it is not 9-5. When I asked why he was being Baker Acted I was told. "Because I’m not convinced he was 100% sincere when he said he was ok." I want my son to receive help but again, what are our rights as parents in this matter. How can they come and simply take him away because a sheriff with no training says.. "I don’t believe him."
I have a question if the person has been baker acted in the past and has been getting treatment for depression and now she went to the hospital for something else and they beeper acted even though she said she did not need that it can they do that can they override her decision
My son is schizophrenic with paranoid tendancies. He is refusing to take his meds and is being destructive aggressive and dilussional. He needs help. Will the Baker Act apply?
My son is 27 years old. He has been using drugs and alcohol to mask whatever issues he having. He is fearful, paranoid, suicidal, and verbally aggressive. We are new to the state and I would like to get help for him. He will not voluntarily seek help.
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I have friend who was taken to the hospital and was baler acted. It’s been three days and the family is unable to get in contact with him. We don’t know where he is, or how long he will have to stay there. He is not a minor but has mental health issues. What can the family do to get in contact with the facility or even him? Thank you for your help
My step daughter has mental disorders she tried to hurt herself with a knife before anow she know me and her dad hve a baby she is trying to make our lives miserable her mother hs bipolarty issues also her family her mom is a drugadict and ahe is constantly advising her to do stuff against me like push me with her body when She attempted to touch my baby without my consent my step daughter is 15 years old she called the police already when his dad tried to correct her all this issues happened while I was pregnant thanks God I didn’t loose my baby now my hisband and I want to baker act her because she is a threat for my and my baby she keeps constantly trying to figjt and talking bad to me and insulted me We can not live like that also she is brainwashing her little sister again us. She is a bad influence to my baby which is 7 months old. Would be possible to baker act her ???. I am scared that between her and her mother try to do something against me or my baby!!.
Last year I had been trying to get my 11 year old son tested for autism. I took him to a Psychiatrist and he told her that he once (several months before) banged his head (in a bicycle helmet) against a pole because he was frustrated with himself. He didn’t hurt himself. She immediately Baker acted him against our wishes and called an ambulance and the police to enforce it. This was after she had met him for about 15 minutes. I’d like to know if a) you are allowed to Baker act an 11 year old child and b) If the criteria isn’t a bit more than that to Baker act someone.
The hospital let us leave almost immediately but I have huge bills from the ER and the ambulance service.
My son has since been diagnosed with ASD.
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i am my friends emergency contact. i took to the frist hospital because head ache and voices they sent to a hospital she was 3 weeks prior and did not contact me or now one what can i do she is not violent
My husband has all 5 signs for mental illness. But I dont know if I have it in me to have him Baker acted. When he gets out hell hate me
Does having a Baker Act on your record pop up on the federal background check?