Baker Act

An Involuntary Examination of a student or person must meet the following criteria of Involuntary Examination per Florida Statute 394.463(1):

1. Reason to believe person has a mental illness and because of mental illness, person has refused or is unable to determine if examination is necessary, and either:
2. Without care or treatment, is likely to suffer from neglect or refuse care to self, and such neglect or refusal poses a real and present threat of substantial harm to ones well-being and it is not apparent that such harm may be avoided through the help of willing family members, friends or the provision of other services: or
3. There is substantial likelihood that without treatment the person will cause in the near future serious bodily harm to self or others, as evidenced by recent behavior.

Resources

• St. Augustine Youth Services – Mobile Response Team Information
• Florida Statute on Mental Health
• Florida Department of Children and Families – Crisis Services – Baker Act