Civil Commitment Process

Step #1

• An individual with firsthand knowledge of the facts completes the Application Alleging Serious Mental Impairment pursuant to Iowa Code.

Step #2

• A second individual completes the Affidavit in Support of Application Alleging Serious Mental Impairment pursuant to Iowa Code.
• And/or: There is attached to the application, a written statement of a licensed physician in support of the application.

Step #3

The applicant, affiant, or family completes the Appointment of Counsel and Financial Statement and is asked to provide information and verification relative to the availability of health insurance or Medicaid/Iowa Health and Wellness Coverage for the Respondent.

Step #4

• The Application, Affidavit, and the Financial Statement are then filed with the County’s Clerk of Court. The Clerk of Court office will contact the Judicial Personnel assigned to said duties: District or Associate Judge or Magistrate, to review the application, affidavit, and physician statement when present to request an immediate custody order, if required.

Step #5

The Judicial Officer reviews the application, affidavit, and/or physician’s statement and if appropriate, enters the following orders:
                    ORDER FOR IMMEDIATE CUSTODY
                    NOTICE to RESPONDENT and ORDER SETTING HEARING
                    ORDER APPOINTING ATTORNEY
                    APPOINTMENT OF PHYSICIAN

For more information regarding the Civil Commitment Process contact Sioux Rivers Service Coordinators or your County Clerk of Courts Office.