support. These counselors can also engage a mental health crisis team to come to the IP's location, offer therapeutic interventions, provide transportation if further evaluation is needed, and make referrals for outpatient services. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free.
When unpredictable or dangerous behavior occurs it is easy to panic, but that may make the situation worse. Here are some strategies to help you remain calm in these situations:
Use a quiet voice with a commanding tone
Keep a safe distance between you and the escalated person without turning away from them
Look at their face or shoulder area, rather than directly in their eyes
Show support and empathy, don't argue with them
Be firm and set limits; then follow throughxxxv
The court order may give you the power to consent to or approve medical, surgical, psychological, or other treatments. Check your court’s Final Decree for your specific rights and limitations. Even with the full powers of a guardian of the person, you must petition the court and gain approval before consenting to the following:
Abortion, sterilization, psychosurgery, electroconvulsive therapy, or the removal of a healthy body organ
Stopping a marriage or consenting to a divorce decree
The performance of or participation in any experimental biomedical or behavioral medical procedure
End-of-life decisions
Note that if you determine that the IP needs a certain treatment (such as electroconvulsive therapy) or that end-of-life planning is medically appropriate and in their best interest, you should prepare to file a petition with the court requesting approval and you should be prepared to present evidence from a doctor to support that the decision you seek to make is in the best interest of the IP. Counsel for the IP should be notified of any such petition, and if there is no counsel serving, it may be appropriate to request that the court appoint independent counsel for the IP.
Admit the IP to an inpatient psychiatric facility, though if the IP is at immediate risk, they may still be committed to a facility by a doctor (pursuant to the Pennsylvania Mental Health Procedures Act, authorizing involuntary mental health commitment)
Relinquish the IP's parental rights