Behavioral Health Unit
Behavioral Health Unit
Contact information: BHUMgr@wcpc.us
*ATTENTION ATTORNEYS*
Sign-Ups for the MI and DD Dockets for the 4th Quarter 2024 will be:
4th Quarter Sign Up (October, November, December 2024)
Sign Up via Sign Up Genius – August 27th – August 29th
Sign Up list to Courtroom Coordinators: September 4th
An email to all attorneys who are eligible for MI & DD assignments will be sent on August 16th, as a reminder.
Sign-Ups for the MI and DD Dockets for the 1st Quarter 2025 will be:
1st Quarter Sign Up (January, February, March 2025)
Sign Up via Sign Up Genius – Tuesday, October 29th – Thursday, October 31st
Sign Up list to Courtroom Coordinators: Thursday, November 7th
Please note:
Sign-ups will be quarterly, and an announcement will be made on this webpage and via email prior to the sign-up link going live. Sign-ups will be taken on a first come, first-serve basis. Indicating your availability DOES NOT GUARANTEE AN ASSIGNMENT. Providing your availability DOES MEAN that you are available for all case types, including Out-County and Center for Forensic Psychiatry cases. Please do not sign-up if you do not want to handle these cases.
The link for the Signup Genius will be emailed to you along with an access code. Please check your Spam/Junk email folder as the email will come from Signup Genius, not the Wayne County Probate Court
If you would like to confirm your email address with the Court, you may email: BHUMgr@wcpc.us
Our Mission:
The purpose of the Wayne County Probate Court’s Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) is to (1) increase the use of Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) orders for individuals who would benefit from community support and resources, with the intention of diverting those individuals from hospitalization and contact with law enforcement and the criminal justice system; (2) to collaborate with key stakeholders in Wayne County through training on the behavioral health processes and protocols pursuant to the Michigan Mental Health Code; and (3) to promote community awareness of behavioral health issues and resources across Wayne County.
What Is Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT)?
Assisted Outpatient Treatment is court-ordered treatment for individuals with a serious mental illness and have been determined to be a person requiring treatment. An Assisted Outpatient Treatment order is a civil order that allows an individual to receive mental health treatment on an outpatient basis while living in the community.
What does the BHU Do?
- Monitors all AOT orders for Wayne County
- Works with inpatient hospitals and outpatient treatment providers to ensure a smooth transition from hospitalization to community treatment
- Monitors compliance of individuals while on an AOT order
- Processes mental health petitions, transport orders, guardianships for individuals with a developmental disability and all paperwork associated with those cases
- Provides training to mental health stakeholders in Wayne County
If you or someone you know, is in need of emergency psychiatric care, the following crisis centers are open and available 365 days, 24/7 to assist you:
Detroit –
Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) Crisis Care Center
707 W. Milwaukee St.
Detroit, MI 48202
313-989-9444
Detroit –
Team Wellness Crisis Stabilization Unit
6309 Mack Avenue
Detroit, MI 48207
888-813-8326
Livonia –
Community Outreach for Psychiatric Emergencies (COPE)
33505 Schoolcraft
Livonia, MI 48150
844-296-2673
Developmental Disabilities
What is a Developmental Disability?
A developmental disability is a type of condition that affects how a person grows and learns. These conditions usually start when someone is very young and can last for their whole life. They might affect how a person learns, talks, or moves.
Here are some examples of developmental disabilities:
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down Syndrome
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Fragile X Syndrome
- Tourette Syndrome
If you want to see a full list of developmental disabilities, click here.
If You Need Guardianship
For more information regarding filing a Petition for Appointment of Guardian, Individual with Alleged Developmental Disability, please click here.
If you want to become a guardian for someone with a developmental disability, you need to give the Court a report from a special doctor called a psychologist. This report should show detail the disability the person has, how the disability affects the person, and what kind of medical care they need. You need to give this report to the Court at least 10 days before the hearing. The report should be no more than one year old.
If you can’t get this report because you haven’t been appointed the guardian, you can ask the Court for temporary guardianship. A judge will decide if you can get temporary guardianship to help you get the report you need.
To get the report, you can contact a local psychologist or reach out to the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) for help finding one in Wayne County. Remember, the Wayne County Probate Court doesn’t control how long you might have to wait for an appointment or if you will qualify for services through DWIHN.
Need More Help?
If you have other questions or need more information about developmental disabilities, here are some resources that can help:
The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN)
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute at Wayne State University
The Bureau of Specialty Behavioral Health Services – MDHHS
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
The Arc Michigan
Resources
AOT Steps & Roles 
Assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) Toolkit - Center for Behavioral Health and Justice - Wayne State University
BHU AOT Combined Order Process Map
BHU AOT Only Process Map
BHU Hospitalization Only Process Map
BHU Informational Pamphlet
Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (dwihn.org)
How to File a Petition for Mental Health Treatment
NAMI Michigan | National Alliance on Mental Illness - Michigan's Voice on Mental Illness
Video instructions for filling out PCM 201
Wayne County Mental Health FAQS for the General Public
Wayne County Mental Health FAQS for the Provider
What to know about your deferral
Drop by again soon, as we will be updating this page often!