Accepts referrals for people who are thought to be mentally ill and in need of psychiatric care.  To hospitalize an individual, the Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) must determine that the following conditions are present:   -  The person has a mental disorder, AND -  Is dangerous to him/herself or others, or is gravely disabled, or has caused significant property damage or s/he shows severe deterioration in functioning ability and is not receiving essential care, AND -  Hospitalization is the appropriate alternative.  At the time of the referral, a DCR will investigate the situation and, if appropriate, take sworn statements from individuals having first-hand knowledge of the situation.  If hospitalization is still required after an initial 72-hour evaluation period, a court hearing is held to determine if the person should be hospitalized for 14 more days.  Persons who provided sworn statements to the DCRs testify at this time.