Involuntary Treatment
Scott County
Involuntary Mental Health Treatment – KRS 202A
Under KRS Chapter 202A, a person may be involuntarily hospitalized if they are mentally ill, present a danger or threat of danger to self, family, or others because of the mental illness; can reasonably benefit from treatment; and for whom hospitalization is the least restrictive alternative mode of treatment presently available. A proceeding for involuntary hospitalization under KRS 202A is initiated by filing a verified petition in District Court.
The petition shall be filed by a qualified mental health professional, peace officer, County Attorney, Commonwealth’s Attorney, spouse, relative, friend, or guardian of the individual concerning whom the petition is filed, or any other interested person. In all proceedings under Chapter 202A, it shall be the duty of the County Attorney to assist the petitioner and represent the interest of the Commonwealth and to assist the court in its inquiry by the presentation of evidence. If you know someone to whom this applies, you may contact the Scott County Attorney’s Office for assistance in filing a 202A petition.
Involuntary Treatment for Substance Use Disorder – Casey’s Law
Under what’s commonly referred to as “Casey’s Law,” in KRS Chapter 222, a person may be ordered to undergo involuntary treatment for substance use disorder if they suffer from substance use disorder; present an imminent threat of danger to self, family, or others as a result of a substance use disorder, or there exists a substantial likelihood of such a threat in the near future; and can reasonably benefit from treatment. A proceeding for involuntary hospitalization under Chapter 222 is initiated by filing of a verified petition in District Court. The petition shall be filed by a spouse, relative, friend, or guardian of the individual concerning whom the petition is filed. Any petition filed shall be accompanied by a signed guarantee obligating that person to pay all costs for treatment of the respondent for substance use disorder that is ordered by the court. If you know someone to whom this applies, you may contact the Scott County Attorney’s Office for assistance in filing a Casey’s Law petition.
