WHAT IS JOEL'S LAW?

Joel’s Law is a provision in Washington State’s involuntary mental health treatment law (RCW 71.05) that allows immediate family members, legal guardians, or conservators to petition the superior court for the involuntary detention of a loved one experiencing a mental health crisis. Enacted in 2015, the law provides a legal option when a Designated Crisis Responder (DCR) declines to detain someone who may pose a danger to themselves, others, or be gravely disabled. By submitting evidence and documentation to the court, families can request a judicial review, giving them a stronger voice in seeking necessary mental health intervention for their loved one.

​When can someone file a Joel’s Law Petition?

A Joel's Law Petition may be filed under the following circumstances:
  • You are an immediate family member, legal guardian, or conservator of the person that you seek to have detained. The law defines "immediate family member" as a spouse, domestic partner, child stepchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, or sibling;
  • A Designated Mental Health Professional (DMHP) has conducted an investigation and decided not to detain that person for evaluation and treatment; or 
  • It has been 48 hours since the DMHP has received a request for investigation, and the DMHP has not taken action to have teh person detained.
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Where can I get the paper work?

Download the "Joel's Law Petition for Initial Detention by Family, Guardian, or Conservator" below.
​This packet includes the petition, declaration, and user guide.