What is the Marchman Act?
The Marchman Act is when a court temporarily holds an individual so they can be evaluated for substance abuse and subsequent treatment. They can also be treated to emergency services if they need it. The Broward County Marchman Act can either be on a voluntary or involuntary basis.
Voluntary vs. Involuntary Florida Marchman Act Admissions
Sometimes a person knows when they have hit rock bottom and need help. That is when they seek help and wish to enter treatment for their substance abuse, whether it is for drugs or alcohol. Involuntary is when friends or family witness a loved one harming themselves or planning to harm themselves because of the effect drugs or alcohol has had on them. The family needs to step in when that person cannot take care of themselves.
Who Can File an Involuntary Broward County Marchman Act?
• Any relative of the suspected substance abuser
• Law enforcement officer
• A private practitioner
• Three responsible adults who have private, reliable information about the person’s substance abuse
• In the case of a minor it can be the minor's parent, legal guardian, legal custodian or licensed service provider.
How Long Can Someone Be Held?
A person who is held for involuntary assessment and detention can be kept in custody for up to five days. If you are in voluntarily there is not limit because it is your choice to enter, so you can leave when you want.
If you suspect a friend or family member of being a substance abuser or a danger to others or themselves, it is your duty to get them help. Take advantage of the Florida Marchman Act. It is in place to help people get past these troubling problems and heal.
