Alaska § 47.12.255 - Placement in secure residential psychiatric treatment centers.
Full text of Alaska Alaska Statutes § 47.12.255 — Placement in secure residential psychiatric treatment centers., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 47.12.255. Placement in secure residential psychiatric treatment centers.
(a) The court may authorize the department to place a minor who is in the custody of the department under AS 47.12.120 (b)(1) or (3) or 47.12.140 in a secure residential psychiatric treatment center if the court finds, based on the testimony of a mental health professional, that (1) the minor is gravely disabled or is suffering from mental illness and, as a result, is likely to cause serious harm to the minor or to another person;
(2) there is no reasonably available, appropriate, and less restrictive alternative for the minor's treatment or that less restrictive alternatives have been tried and have failed; and
(3) there is reason to believe that the minor's mental condition could be improved by the course of treatment or would deteriorate if untreated.
(b) A court shall review a placement made under this section at least once every 90 days. The court may authorize the department to continue the placement of the minor in a secure residential psychiatric treatment center if the court finds, based on the testimony of a mental health professional, that the conditions or symptoms that resulted in the initial order have not ameliorated to such an extent that the minor's needs can be met in a less restrictive setting and that the minor's mental condition could be improved by the course of treatment or would deteriorate if untreated.
(c) The department shall transfer a minor from a secure residential psychiatric treatment center to another appropriate placement if the mental health professional responsible for the minor's treatment determines that the minor would no longer benefit from the course of treatment or that the minor's treatment needs could be met in a less restrictive setting. The department shall notify the minor, the minor's parents or guardian, and the minor's guardian ad litem of a determination and transfer made under this subsection.
(d) In this section, “likely to cause serious harm” has the meaning given in AS 47.30.915 .
Source: official Alaska text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska § 47.12.255
What does Alaska Statutes § 47.12.255 cover?
Section 47.12.255 ("Placement in secure residential psychiatric treatment centers.") is part of the Alaska Statutes, the codified statutory law of Alaska. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alaska § 47.12.255?
A common citation format is "Alaska Statutes § 47.12.255" (Alaska). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alaska law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alaska official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alaska attorney.
How does Alaska § 47.12.255 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alaska can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alaska.