Failed “non-emergency detention order” at ER

This post is to vent and help me process the events. Hopefully gain some insight if we try this again. Maybe help others.

Background: We called the crisis line (988) to get a family member, Chris (not real name), into some kind of mental health care and rehab. There was no immediate life-threatening danger but Chris’s behavior had been steadily deteriorating and it was just a matter of time. DCR did a phone interview with us and sent a team out to their location (kudos for a quick response). They assessed that a “detention order” was appropriate based on the interaction but were unable to detain Chris because the owner of the house refused entry. The surprise visit by DCR and police had them spooked. DCR apparently told them they would be back every day.

Next day, a friend called and said Chris didn’t want to be taken in forcibly by DCR but would go in with us. I wouldn’t say it was fully voluntary but I’m guessing the roommates convinced Chris because they didn’t want cops coming around again.

We called DCR and asked about the process of taking Chris in ourselves. Short answer – take Chris to any ER and tell them that there is a “non-emergency detention order”. The ER will call DCR for the details. OK.

We went to Swedish ER in Ballard. Chris was protesting but went in. We said what we thought were the magic words “non-emergency detention order“ and the ER receptionist asked Chris if they wanted to be here. Chris said No and ran off. Hospital security said they can’t help detain Chris and we should call 911 to have SPD bring them in. DCR said the same thing since they didn’t have a team in Ballard at the time. After 4 hours waiting for SPD we gave up since we weren’t even sure they would do anything unless there was obvious dangerous behavior. We called back the roommate to let them know DCR and police will likely be paying a visit soon (we hope) and to let them in.

We thought we were saving the city resources by taking Chris in ourselves but this was a big fail.

Biggest frustration is that the ER receptionist basically gave Chris the option to leave by asking if they wanted to be here. In hindsight, maybe we should have called ahead but I’m unsure if that would have changed anything.

Why ask the patient if they want to be here before checking if the detention order is legit? “Please have a seat while we call DCR…”

Thanks for bearing with me.