VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

COURT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

In 1980, The Mental Health Association started identifying problems and developing a program to assist families experiencing the crisis of involuntary (forced) hospitalization of a family member. 

The initial effort was to prepare the family for the court hearing.  This soon evolved into the Court Assistance Program where volunteers were utilized to provide support and information to family members during the court proceedings.

The results of this program have been:

1. more persons getting help with a first commitment attempt

2. some form of order during commitment hearings

3. a tremendously reduced stress level upon the family

An unexpected bonus from our Court Assistance Program has been the improvement in attitudes and cooperation from the medical community, judges, attorneys and law enforcement agencies.  We would like to believe that The Mental Health Association's Court Assistance Program has brought to "the system" a greater awareness of the special needs of families dealing with the issue of involuntary commitment.

Volunteers are needed

Volunteers are needed to assist staff for approximately 2 hours every month to provide information and support to families and loved ones of individuals who have been involuntarily committed for hospitalization.  All volunteers must submit a written application and complete formal training.  There is a $12 application fee, which is used to cover expenses necessary for background checks.

If you're interested in volunteering, please CLICK HERE to e-mail Pam Forrester.