The Mental Health Foundation sent this letter to the Minister of Health welcoming the recent publication of policy decisions on the reform of the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 found here.
We are pleased with the purpose of the new legislation to respect human rights, support te ao Māori approaches to recovery, take a holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing, to facilitate a supported decision-making regime and to minimise the use of compulsory treatment orders, seclusion and restraint.
We will however be watching developments in this space closely, particularly on areas where we believe more transformation is needed including seeking certainty that Aotearoa will reach zero seclusion across the mental health sector, that the legislation will truly be grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and in the strengthening of advocacy processes, including the role and powers of District Inspectors.
Letter to the Minister of Health (pdf)