What is civil commitment?
Civil commitment is the legal process by which a court orders mental health treatment.
Voluntary treatment is always preferred, but if commitment is necessary, the ultimate goal is to provide the necessary care, while protecting the right of the patient. Medical and legal professionals both play a role in civil commitment.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides information on Civil Commitment. The Mental Health / Civil Commitment area of the Probate Court Division is responsible for committing people to treatment centers. Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 253B governs this process.
Any person may ask the county to do an investigation into whether someone is in need of commitment. Often times, it is the hospital where someone might be staying or receiving care that makes this request. When requested, a county screening team gathers information about the person’s condition and decides whether to recommend a commitment to the County Attorney, who, based on the screening information, may prepare a petition for commitment and file it with the court.
Click on this link to the MN Judicial Branch to learn about the process
The Civil Commitment Training and Resource Center (CCTRC) is part of the Minnesota Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (OMHDD). The CCTRC was developed to assist persons who want training and information regarding the Civil Commitment and Treatment Act. The CCTRC can provide individualized training, information, referral and advocacy.
Click on this link to the MN Civil Commitment Training and Resource Center (CCTRC)
More resources regarding Civil Commitment in Minnesota:
NAMI Understanding the Minnesota Civil Commitment Process
Civil Commitment Process Fact Sheet – Minnesota.gov