When involuntary commitment becomes necessary

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – There are three state-run mental health facilities in Alabama equipped to provide inpatient services for adults with serious mental health conditions. Although it may seem like a lot, beds are limited.

One man described how he was unsure how to deal with a mental health crisis in his own home until his loved one was arrested.

When Scott Joffrion learned that a loved one living in his home was dealing with a mental health disorder, he said it became an immediate crisis.

“In my case, law enforcement was necessary,” Joffrion said.

The loved one went to prison after it became apparent that his family member was a danger to others. And when things didn’t improve, Joffrion was forced to make the difficult choice to involuntarily commit his loved one to a mental health facility.

In Alabama, someone can be committed involuntarily if they pose a danger to themselves or others. In 2022, lawmakers updated the law to include someone who cannot meet their medical and physical needs.

“You’ve seen families that are really at their wits end,” Montgomery County Probate Judge JC Love said.

By the time a petition reaches Love, families and caregivers are desperate for help. Their loved ones are now part of the legal system.

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“I tell people that the people we see in our courtroom are ordinary people, ordinary people, people who are your neighbors, who are your colleagues, who are in the choir with you, on the usher’s board at work. It’s just people reacting differently to the stresses of life and triggering certain psychoses that require treatment,” Love said.

But there’s no guarantee you’ll get help right away. There is a shortage of beds in the state’s mental health facilities, prolonging the wait and stressing families.

“We want you to be proactive. When you see them start coming off their meds, start acting abnormal, go ahead and get the petition, go ahead and get them the help they’re looking for,” Love said.

After Joffrion’s loved one was arrested, she was ordered to see a doctor who diagnosed her condition. From there, it was easier to get treatment and therapy.

Meanwhile, Joffrion learned something he could do to make being a caretaker easier.

“Listening is really important to these individuals because you’re not a trained person to do it, but you are a listener. You have a relationship.” Joffrion said.

If someone you know meets the criteria for involuntary commitment, evidence must be presented to the court by someone who has personal knowledge of the particular act or behavior. If this is determined, there will be a hearing to determine whether the court will order hospital treatment.

Click here for information on mental health resources in Alabama.

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