Mental Health
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISIS, CALL OR TEXT 988
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crises or any other kind of emotional distress. People can dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one needing crisis support. You can also visit 988LIFELINE.ORG
Petition for Involuntary Evaluation: Order to Apprehend (OTA)
The Probate Court exercises jurisdiction over the examination and treatment of persons with mental illness. The Probate Court Judge may issue an order commanding any peace officer to take such person into custody and deliver him/her to the nearest emergency receiving facility for evaluation. This order is commonly called an “Order to Apprehend,” because it directs law enforcement to apprehend the person and take them for an involuntary evaluation. The order is delivered to the Sheriff of Cook County or his lawful deputy, where it is valid for 7 days after the date of issuance. An Order to Apprehend issued by the Probate Court is for an evaluation only, a medical professional the Crisis Center or other Emergency Receiving Facility will make any further determinations regarding inpatient or outpatient treatment plans.
Requirements
- Affidavits of at least 2 witnesses.
- Both Affiants must have seen the person in the preceding 48 hours.
- Based upon the observations contained in the Affidavits, the Affiants have reason to believe such a person requires involuntary treatment because that person is:
- A mentally ill person,
- An alcoholic,
- A drug-dependent individual, or
- A drug abuser.
- The person must be located in Cook County.
- The person must be at least 17 years of age or older. (Jurisdiction for those 16 and younger is in Juvenile Court. Those requests are made through Law Enforcement and the Department of Juvenile Justice)
Hours of Acceptance
Monday – Friday from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM.
Individuals requesting an Order to Apprehend outside of normal business hours should contact 9-1-1. The emergency dispatcher will contact the Probate Court Judge and the Sheriff’s Office.
