She refuses to take medication. She doesn't have a GED or know how to drive. She recently moved back in with her mom and stepfather. She is very argumentative and combatitive. Her mother is afraid to leave the house with her there. She has bragged about shooting a gun with a friend and is constantly fighting with siblings and other family members. Police were called on one occassion and told her mother that she would have to have her evicted to get her out of the house. None of us have money for a lawyer. Is there some way to have her committed?
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Q: My stepdaughter is 19 and bipolar. Is there some way to committ her?
Answers (4)
10/22/09 12:21am
Hi, Kristi. The short answer is no - unless the police are convinced she poses an immediate danger to herself or others, in which case the hospital they drive her to needs to be similarly convinced. I know how hard this must be for you and the rest of your family. I don't know the fine points of the law of eviction, but my impression is that there is nothing to stop her mom and stepfather from booting her out the door.
I wish I could help. We really need to change the law and the whole way we deal with mental illness. Please know everyone reading this supports you.
10/21/09 1:56pm
I found out you need three people to sign her in to a mental ward.
God bless, Melba
10/21/09 7:33pm
My sister is having her daughter, who is bi-polar, drinks and does some drugs, to join Job Corps. They help you get a GED... they get you started with career or job skills.
You can always give your stepdaughter the ultimatum... join Job Corps or get out!
Depending on the state evicting her only requires you send her a letter and give notice.
3/24/10 12:29pm
I see your post has been back in October and just found this site. Any progress? i have a Bi-polar stepdaughter who is turning nineteen, it is holy nightmare > . . . everyday for the past ten years!
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By Kristi— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 10/21/09
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