Media Release
For Immediate Use

20 June 2008

Law And Mental Health Kit Welcomed

The Mental Health Commission welcomes the launch of an education kit to help people understand the law as it relates to mental health.

The kit, The Law and Mental Health, has been produced by the Legal Services Agency as part of its mission of helping people access justice.

The Mental Health Commission’s Chair Commissioner, Dr Peter McGeorge, says the kit provides valuable information about legislation that affects, and protects, the rights of people experiencing mental illness.

“A lot of thought has gone into this kit and the Commission is really pleased to support it,” he says.

“Anything that helps mental health service users, families, community support workers and health professionals better understand the environment they’re working in is useful, and it will be especially good having another resource out there that service users can draw on.”

The kit provides information and discussion exercises about legislation such as the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992, the Privacy Act 1993, and the Human Rights Act 1993.

Copies are available from the Legal Services Agency. The education kit was launched by the Minister of Justice, Annette King, in Wellington last night.

ENDS

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