An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Cabinet for Health and Family Services
In this section Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities In this section Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities
Civil commitment statutes (also called involuntary commitment statutes) exist in every state in the U.S.These laws govern the detainment, evaluation, and treatment of individuals with mental illness, substance use disorder, or intellectual disability who may pose a risk to themselves or others. Below are links to Kentucky’s laws and verified petitions that family members or other concerned individuals may use to initiate the commitment process for individuals who are in crisis, may pose a safety risk to themselves or others, and are unlikely to/ unable to voluntarily initiate services.
KRS Chapter 202A: Adult Mental Health HospitalizationVerified Petition for Involuntary Hospitalization or Involuntary Admission Form
KRS Chapter 645: Children's Mental Health Hospitalization
Verified Petition for Involuntary Hospitalization Form
KRS Chapter 222: Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Verified Petition for 60/360 Day Involuntary Treatment (Substance Use Disorder) Form
KRS Chapter 202A:0811: Court-Ordered Assisted Outpatient Treatment
Verified Petition for Court-Ordered Assisted Outpatient Treatment Form
KRS Chapter 202B: Admission of an Individual with an Intellectual Disability
Verified Petition for Involuntary Admission of an Individual with an Intellectual Disability Form