Mentally ill people have civil rights. Unless she is meeting criteria or voluntarily chooses a course of action, there's really nothing you can do except pray or meditate or just keep trying gentle persuasion and maintaining a rapport. Good luck.

If not, you may not have legal standing to do anything. Only her parents, grandparents and siblings would, as far as I know.

You might want to contact the National Alliance for Mental Illness, NAMI. Particularly the state chapter in whichever state she's in, because they would be familiar with commitment procedures and laws. They might be able to advise the mother how best to proceed.

Link:http://www.nami.org/

Good luck!

If it's California there are a few things you can do, but it can be very difficult. You would have to go to court and prove that she is harmful to herself and/or others. You might have to go back to court again if she refuses to take any meds. There are so many people like this woman living on the streets and the system is designed to protect them.... to a point.

The process of convincing her to come back with you could take weeks or even months if she is in full blown Schizophrenia. If you go out there and just throw her in your car what are you going to do with her?

I truly wish I had a magic answer to this problem. Could you go out there and just spend some time with her? From there you could talk with some people that may be able to help you - help her.

Can only imagine what this is doing to you and those that care about her. Be strong. Be patient. I know that's just cliche' bullshit but I've gone through this. It is very very difficult.

All the best to you.

If that person is willing, provide funds for that person to meet as frequently as possible with the young person, for meals at a unfancy restaurant. The contact person, if willing, can take her to non-threatening laces and activities - zoos, parks, movies, etc. - anything to keep the doors of communication open. If the young woman is still unkempt, they could go together to a hair stylist or shopping for presentable, clean clothes.

You and/or the mother and grandparents can provide the funds for these meals and activities to the contact person.

I agree with the suggestion to contact NAMI, especially the branch in her area.

We will try to stay in contact with the person who she keeps in touch with out there the best we can. He is a former boyfriend and is getting a little worn out with her random drop ins. I'm guessing his new girlfriend isn't fond of knocks on the door at 3am

OTOH, California is probably as well set up with social services as any place in the US. They likely even have some who go out to the "client" to assess, advocate and hopefully recommend viable choices for someone in this situation.