After hearing all of the evidence, and reviewing the findings of the investigation and other examiners, the court shall determine whether the person is mentally retarded and because of mental retardation is either dangerous to self or others or is unable to provide for the personal needs of the person and is not receiving care as is necessary for the health, safety or habilitation of the person. If in the opinion of the court the person is not mentally retarded, the person shall be discharged forthwith. If in the opinion of the court the person is, by clear and convincing evidence, mentally retarded, the court may order as follows:
(1) If the mentally retarded person can give informed consent and is willing and able to participate in treatment and training on a voluntary basis, and the court finds that the person will do so, the court shall order release of the person and dismiss the case.
(2) If a relative, a friend or legal guardian of the mentally retarded person requests that the relative, friend or legal guardian be allowed to care for the mentally retarded person for a period of one year in a place satisfactory to the judge and shows that the relative, friend or legal guardian is able to care for the mentally retarded person and that there are adequate financial resources available for the care of the mentally retarded person, the court may commit the mentally retarded person and order that the mentally retarded person be conditionally released and placed in the care and custody of the relative, friend or legal guardian. The order may be revoked and the mentally retarded person committed to the Department of Human Services for the balance of the year whenever, in the opinion of the court, it is in the best interest of the mentally retarded person.
(3) If in the opinion of the court voluntary treatment and training or conditional release is not in the best interest of the mentally retarded person, the court may order the commitment of the person to the department for care, treatment or training. The commitment shall be for a period not to exceed one year with provisions for continuing commitment pursuant to ORS 427.020.
(4) If in the opinion of the court the mentally retarded person may be incapacitated, the court may appoint a legal guardian or conservator pursuant to ORS chapter 125. The appointment of a guardian or conservator shall be a separate order from the order of commitment. [1979 c.683 §24; 1995 c.664 §97]
Section: Previous 427.255 427.260 427.265 427.270 427.275 427.280 427.285 427.290 427.293 427.295 427.300 427.305 427.306 427.310 427.315 NextLast modified: August 7, 2008