» » Once in custody, your child will go through a
screening process with a Registered Nurse or
Masters Level Prepared Therapist. They will
interview you together and then individually to
assess the situation. You will be asked to sign
consent forms on behalf of your child as he/she
is a minor and cannot consent to their own form
of treatment. It is imperative that you are there
with your child to relay any and all information to
the screeners. The more information they have to
better understand your child the better they can
assess what services may be required.
» » Information such as medications they are on,
whether they are currently receiving services from
a therapist/psychiatrist or even triggers that bring
on certain behaviors will be collected. As stated
previously, the psychiatrist will determine the best
course of action for your child which could mean
that they need to be admitted to an Inpatient
Program, participation in Outpatient Services
may be suggested, they may be referred to a Day
Treatment Program or the Baker Act may be lifted
entirely.
What if my child is at school and their behavior is radical?
» » If a child is at school and is posing a threat to
him/herself or others, the school will notify the
legal guardian of the situation. For the safety
of the child and all involved, the school does
have the right to call 911 and request that the
child receive an emergency evaluation under the
Baker Act. There are specific criteria that need
to be met before it is determined if the child can
be Baker Acted, such as having a mental illness
and if the child is considered a harm to him/
herself or others. The Baker Act can be initiated
by law enforcement, physicians, psychiatric nurse
practitioners and licensed therapist/counselors.
What if I fear that my child may hurt him/herself or
others and this is outside of the screening hours?
» » A child will never be turned away. If you call 911
outside of the screening hours of 8:00 am - 8:00
pm, and it is determined that your child needs
immediate intervention, the first responder will
take your child to the Community Emergency
Department. Your child will be admitted and
remain at the hospital until the screeners and
Psychiatrists are available for assessing the
situation.
» » During this process it is recommended to stay with
your child as they are a minor and cannot consent
to treatment.
28 | S T. J O H N S H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S M A G A Z I N E