Chapter 51 Emergency detention (1099)

What is an emergency detention?

In Wisconsin, if a person is a danger to themselves or others, the police or sheriff can issue an Emergency Detention.  Three things are needed to place a person on detention:

• The person needs to be seen as dangerous. There must be a risk that at the present time, the person is likely to hurt themselves or others.
• The person must be thought to be mentally ill.  In the case of emergency detention, mental illness is a problem with the person that causes a severe mood, thought or behavior issues.
• The person is not willing to go to treatment voluntarily.

A detention happens when a police officer or sheriff decides that your child needs an emergency psychiatric evaluation.

• The officer will ask about the child’s history from the doctor and ask your child some questions.  The officer is the one who decides if the child is seen to be a danger to themselves or others.
• After your child has been medically cleared by the doctors, they will be seen for a mental health evaluation within 24 hours. This evaluation may be done by a county crisis worker or at a mental health facility. A police officer will take your child to the facility if needed.

What happens once a child is at the mental health hospital?

The treatment team at the mental health facility will provide:

• A psychiatric assessment.
• The best treatment for your child.

For more information, read the “Wisconsin State Statutes Chapter 51” posted on the internet at https://www.legis.state.wi.us/statutes/Stat0051.pdf.