Developing a comprehensive system for handling mental illness commitments.

A comprehensive system for processing individuals being evaluated for mental illness commitment is presented. The system comprises six levels making maximum use of screening and evaluation procedures prior to judicial action. The system levels are described. Data from both the general literature and research specific to the system are presented to support the efficacy of such a processing model. The data suggest state hospital admissions/readmissions and hospital populations are reduced following implementation of the proposed screening/evaluation procedures. Additionally, the commitment system presented addresses recent sociopolitical trends mandating sufficient recognition of the rights of the mentally ill.