Behavioral Health Conservatorship
One of the most significant interventions in behavioral health is to establish a “conservatorship” to make decisions on a person's treatment. A behavioral health conservatorship is used with a person who is not able to care for themselves due to a serious mental illness or severe substance use disorder. Civil courts determine when conservatorship is appropriate and name the conservators, following an investigation of the person’s needs and potential alternatives to conservatorship. A behavioral health conservatorship can be temporary (generally a period of 30 days, but shall not exceed 180 days) or permanent (meaning up to one year); after one year, it may be renewed. The person’s conservatorship treatment plan, which is typically developed with input from the individual and their family or supporters, will include goals for treatment and periodic progress reviews to determine when conservatorship is no longer needed. Conservators have a responsibility to ensure treatment is provided in the least restrictive possible setting.
Reports
Key Legislation
Behavioral Health Information Notices (BHINs)
Key Partners
