Review of the Mental health statement of rights and responsibilities

Background

The Mental health statement of rights and responsibilities (the Statement) was developed in 1991 to ensure that consumers, carers, advocates, service providers and the community were aware of their rights and responsibilities. While the Statement remains a strong and valid document, it no longer reflected contemporary mental health care and human rights legislation.

In November 2010, the then Mental Health Standing Committee (MHSC) endorsed a limited review to update the Statement as a priority action under the Fourth National Mental Health Plan. The Victorian Department of Health was funded by the Department of Health and Ageing to manage the review of the Statement. Direct oversight of the project was the responsibility of the then Safety and Quality Partnership Subcommittee (SQPS), now Safety and Quality Partnership Standing Committee of the Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Principal Committee.

Aim of the review

The review of the Mental health statement of rights and responsibilities aimed to update the language, concepts and legislative references of the Statement. The review did not intend to redevelop the Statement in its entirety.

Summary

The revised Statement addresses eight domains where rights and responsibilities are relevant to mental health:

• inherent dignity and equal protection;
• non-discrimination and social inclusion;
• the promotion of mental health and the prevention of mental illness;
• the rights and responsibilities of individuals who seek assessment, support, care, treatment, rehabilitation and recovery;
• rights and responsibilities of carers and support persons;
• rights and responsibilities of people who provide services;
• rights and responsibilities of the community; and governance.

The revised Statement has undergone a wide consultation period over 18 months and a broad range of stakeholders have been involved at all stages of the review process. Thanks are extended to the many individuals and groups who provided comments and feedback on earlier drafts of this revised Statement.

The Safety and Quality Partnership Standing Committee also acknowledges the significant work of the Centre for the Advancement of Law and Mental Health, Monash University in developing this revised Statement.

For hard copies, please email National Mailing and Marketing at health@nationalmailing.com.au or by phone on (02) 6269 1080 and quote the Ordering Code: MH282 or visit the National Mailing and Marketing website at www.nationalmailing.com.au.