Jeff
Burkhart
Andrea
Burkhart
Michaela
Murdock
Carol Jean
Thompson
Attorneys
at Law
6½
N. 2nd Avenue, Suite 200, Walla Walla,
Washington
99362
(509)
529-0630
One of the bases
of
detention in Washington
civil commitment proceedings is that the person,
because of a mental
disorder, is gravely disabled.
The term "gravely disabled" is broad, and it can apply to a variety of circumstances and lifestyles. Washington's Involuntary Treatment Act provides for two broad categories. Essentially, a person is gravely disabled when they:
Litigation of petitions involving grave disability requires a nuanced understanding of the law and an ability to collect and present evidence that paints a holistic picture of a person's lifestyle and abilities. Some of the life circumstances that could lead to being considered gravely disabled include:
A condition in which a
person, as a result of a mental disorder:
(a) Is
in danger of serious physical harm resulting from a failure to provide
for his or her essential human needs of health or safety; or
(b)
manifests severe deterioration in routine functioning evidenced by
repeated and escalating loss of cognitive or volitional control over
his or her actions and is not receiving such care as is essential for
his or her health or safety.
RCW
71.05.020(17)
Phone:
(509) 529-0630
Fax:
(509) 525-0630
Mail:
PO Box 946
Walla Walla, WA 99362
In Person:
6½ N. 2nd Avenue, Suite 200
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Map
E-Mail:
