The Baker Act is a means of providing individuals with emergency services and a temporary inpatient stay for mental health evaluation and treatment when required.  The Baker Act is intended to encourage voluntary admission, but provides a process for involuntary assessment and stabilization when needed.

Detailed information on the Baker Act is available at http://myflfamilies.com/service-programs/mental-health/baker-act

 For addiction/substance abuse, the Marchman Act is a similar tool. Visit https://myflfamilies.com/service-programs/samh/crisis-services/marchman-act.shtml for more information.