Connecticut laws for involuntary psychiatric holds for child and adult psychiatric emergencies

Connecticut laws for involuntary psychiatric holds for child and adult psychiatric emergencies

.. Psychiatric emergencies are severe disturbances in mood, thought, behavior, or social relationship that require an immediate intervention plan as defined by the family, patient, or social unit. These immediate interventions are necessary to save the patient and others or both from impending danger or harm (Wheat et al., 2016). The Connecticut (CT) law provides that a child can be subjected to involuntary psychiatric holds if their mental or emotional conditions are deemed to cause substantial and adverse effects to a child’s health, safety, or welfare, or that of others. These conditions do not include intellectual disability. Anyone may initiate the commitment process as long as they apply with the probate court. The application must contain details like the hospital where the child would be committed. The child may be released or discharged immediately if psychiatrists do not believe that hospitalization is necessary after the examination (CIVIL COMMITMENT OF CHILDREN, 2013). However, if the court sufficiently finds probable cause to conclude that the child is subject to involuntary hospitalization, it shall order that such child's hospitalization continue for the remaining time provided for in the emergency certificate or until the completion of probate proceedings under section 17a-76. For adults,the involuntary commitment applies to people with psychiatric disabilities who can either cause harm to themselves or others or are gravely disabled. Just like in the case of a child, anyone can initiate the commitment process by filing with the probate court an application claiming that a person has psychiatric disabilities, dangerous to himself or others, or is gravely disabled (INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENT LAW, 2021). After an application is received, the court will appoint two psychiatrists who will conduct an examination and make presentations in the court within the next 10 days. If the court is satisfied by clear and convincing