Involuntary Commitment
Resources
Helpful Links
- Mental Health Resources – Learn how dLCV protects the rights of people receiving mental health services in hospitals, community programs, and other treatment settings. This page outlines your rights, explains common concerns, and provides resources to help you advocate for safe, person-centered care.
- Correctional Setting Resources – This page provides information on the rights of individuals in Virginia’s correctional facilities, along with grievance and complaint resources. Materials are organized by facility type: jails, prisons, and juvenile settings.
Fact Sheets
- Involuntary Commitment Process Fact Sheet (09-2025) – This fact sheet provides an overview of the rights of individuals with disabilities in Virginia’s correctional facilities and during the involuntary commitment process. It covers protections related to medical care, accommodations, communication, and personal safety.
Who Else Can I Complain To for Help?
- DBHDS Office of Licensing Complaint Form – If you have concerns about the safety, treatment, or rights of someone receiving services from a DBHDS-licensed provider, you can file a complaint directly with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. This portal explains what you can report and how to start the complaint process.
- Joint Commission Complaints – The Joint Commission accepts concerns about patient safety and quality of care in hospitals, clinics, and other accredited facilities. This resource explains what you can report, how to submit a concern, and what happens next.
- Virginia State Bar Complaint Form – If you believe a lawyer has acted unethically or violated professional standards, you can file a misconduct complaint with the Virginia State Bar. This form explains what can be reported, how the process works, and what information you will need to submit.
Share Your ECO/TDO Experience
Please note: This is not a complaint process and will not result in dLCV assistance or follow-up.
- Emergency Custody Order (ECO) or Temporary Detention Order (TDO) Survey – The ECO/TDO Survey is looking into the experiences of individuals who have gone through the mental health crisis process, from first interactions with law enforcement, through the evaluation at the emergency room, and into the involuntary commitment hearing. Your responses will help dLCV have a better understanding of what people are experiencing during a mental health crisis.
dLCV Publications
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Complaint Mechanisms Available During Involuntary Commitment: Understanding Your Rights During an ECO or TDO
If you believe your rights were violated while you were under an Emergency Custody Order
(ECO) or a Temporary Detention Order (TDO) in Virginia, there are steps you can take. This
guide explains your options for filing complaints, appealing decisions, and speaking up if you
were mistreated. Learn About Your Rights and the Complaint Options Available During Involuntary Commitment. -
Unseen and Untracked: The Risks of Paperless Emergency Custody Orders in Mental Health Crises
Emergency Custody Orders (ECOs) have served as a tool to address mental and behavioral
health crises to ensure individuals receive necessary treatment. However, the current
practice of law enforcement officers issuing “Paperless ECOs,” which bypass traditional
judicial oversight and documentation requirements, raises significant concerns regarding
clarity, accountability, and the rights of individuals in crises. Learn About the Risks of Paperless Emergency Custody Orders in Mental Health Crises.