If you are experiencing an emergency dealing with an individual in mental health distress and feel that you or the individual are unsafe, call 911 immediately for police help.

If you are not experiencing an immediate emergency, the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office may be able to help you get the individual in mental distress the mental health help they need, thereby enhancing the safety of the individual, the individual’s family and associates, as well as the community.

The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office can answer questions and, where appropriate, help adults with serious mental illness in the community who meet the statutory criteria for involuntary admission.

Pursuant to the Mental Health Code, 405 ILCS 5/1-1 et.seq., the circuit court has jurisdiction over persons not charged with a felony who are subject to involuntary admission.

The Mental Health Code allows any person 18 years of age or older to petition the court asserting that another person is subject to involuntary admission. 

The State’s Attorney’s office represents the People of the State of Illinois in court proceedings under the Mental Health Code, and will attend such proceedings, and ensure that petitions, reports and orders are properly prepared.

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has petition forms on its website. A petition for Involuntary Admission can be found at this link: PETITION FOR INVOLUNTARY/JUDICIAL ADMISSION (state.il.us)

A Petition for Involuntary Outpatient Admission can be found at this link: IL462-2210.pdf (state.il.us)

The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office is dedicated to providing compassionate help and support for people with serious mental illness. We understand the trauma mental illness can cause family members and loved ones of the individual dealing with mental health-related distress. We are here to help improve outcomes for people with serious mental illness. 

To find out how the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office Civil Division can assist you to make sure the petition is properly prepared to help your loved one get the mental health help they need, please contact our office at 815-334-4159 and ask to speak to an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Civil Division responsible for filing petitions for involuntary admission in mental health cases.