[lstanle]

"No -- you're reading way too much into the comment. He was saying that the authorities can't make her get psychiatric help unless she is a ward of the courts. That's been the legal standard for a couple of hundred years or so."

You are absolutely correct. Unless someone is under the control of the courts, I don't think they would have any authority or right to get someone or force someone to get psychiatric help. If I wanted help for my loony aunt I would not go to the DA's office.

[mlc9852]

They can be Baker Acted by cops or family if deemed a threat to herself or others.

[SpinnerWebb]

That response is the only one in this whole thread that makes sense. So... what he was saying is not that the courts should jump in and seize power, but that only through the judicial system could that power possibly be obtained. Thanks. Finally cleared up.

[Kretek]

If I wanted help for my loony aunt I would not go to the DA's office.

No, because they'd tell you to go petition the probate court for guardianship, at least if you were in Michigan.