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Chemical Dependency Involuntary Commitment offered at King County Department of Community and Human Services - Chemical Dependency Services

Chemical Dependency Involuntary Commitment offered at King County Department of Community and Human Services - Chemical Dependency Services

Evaluates acute alcoholics and drug addicts as to need for involuntary civil commitment to treatment.  Chemical Dependency Involuntary Treatment (CDITS) is authorized by the Washington State Alcoholism, Intoxication, and Drug Addiction Act, RCW 70.96A.  In King County this service is provided by the King County Mental Health, Chemical Abuse and Dependency Services Division.  See King County Mental Health - Chemical Abuse and Dependency Services Division - Crisis and Commitment Services for involuntary mental health commitment.  CDITS determines whether sufficient grounds exist for civil commitment.  A CDCDS (County Designated Chemical Dependency Specialist) will make an initial in-person screening and attempt to evaluate and discuss with the client a treatment plan on a voluntary basis.   Court hearings will be scheduled for no fewer than two days after the filing of the petition, and no more than five days after the filing.  If the court finds that incapacity exists, an Order of Involuntary Commitment for a period of 60 days may be issued. A recommitment for an additional 90 days is possible.   This is NOT A CRISIS RESPONSE SYSTEM.  Voluntary treatment programs are available after-hours--see separate listings for the Washington Recovery Help Line for information/referral.  Commitment Specialists or King County Custody Officers provide transportation to court and to treatment.

Physical Address

Hours

M-F, 8am-5pm.

Application process

Call for information and assistance regarding civil commitment procedures.

Fee

None.

Eligibility

A person may be committed through civil proceedings if he/she is gravely disabled by alcohol or drugs or if he/she has threatened or inflicted harm on self, another person or property, and is likely to do so again unless committed.

Agency info

King County Department of Community and Human Services - Chemical Dependency Services

Provides evaluation and initiates court proceedings for the civil commitment of alcoholics and addicts who are gravely disabled by alcohol and/or drugs or present danger to self/others or property. Provides screening for inebriation and medical problems and transportation to appropriate services for people who are chronically publicly inebriated.