A 22-year-old client has voluntarily sought treatment for an eating disorder at a rural residential facility. Despite a promisin
g start, the client has been involved in recent conflicts with staff members and insists that the client wants to leave the facility. Staff members have refused to facilitate the client's transportation from the facility and have stated that they will not return the client's money and identification that were held when the client was admitted. Staff at the treatment facility may be guilty of false imprisonment due to what?
Treatment facility staff can be guilty of false imprisonment if the patient is arrested at the facility without the need for treatment.
Explanation:
False arrest is considered a very serious crime, and is characterized by a situation where someone is prevented (by someone else) from leaving or walking in a certain area, ie the person is detained. However, it is important to remember that not every detention can be accused of false imprisonment, in some cases the law allows a person to be detained against his will. Facility staff can be convicted of false imprisonment if the patient being prevented from leaving does not need treatment, but if the patient needs treatment it is irresponsible for the facility to let him out.
