Letter to the Editor
The Toronto Star
November 8, 2005
Service shortfalls in mental health
City's addiction centre full, court told
Nov. 3.
The article calls into question the adequacy of mental health resources for individuals with mental health problems facing criminal charges. The promise of mental health reform is that needed and wanted assessment, treatment and rehabilitative services and supports would be available in communities in which clients choose to live.
The fundamental basis for community-based care is that consumers of mental health services stand the greatest chance for recovery and reintegration when they are treated and cared for in their home environments, close to their families, friends and other natural supports. The plight of the person sent to a remote community to access needed assessment services underscores the inadequacy of resources for mental health clients encountering the criminal justice system. The promise that culturally sensitive care and treatment would be available close to home for those in need has not been realized.
The expansion of forensic mental health services alone will not address the needs of those in conflict with the law who are struggling with mental illness. Steering these individuals toward the forensic system in order that they access needed and wanted resources may serve only to criminalize those challenged by disabling illnesses. Many may find themselves jailed as a consequence of their illnesses because the mental health system cannot adequately address their needs. To require that those who are disenfranchised, stigmatized and discriminated against as a consequence of illness surrender their legal and civil rights to access care and treatment is unconscionable.
The mental health system at large must grapple with service shortfalls that undermine the development of a comprehensive system of care, treatment and support for those struggling with mental illness. Such a system must include a broad range of assessment, treatment, crisis intervention, case management and rehabilitative resources. In addition, access to rights protection, rights advice and advocacy services must be guaranteed. All of these elements are critical to the development of a reformed mental health system. Such a comprehensive system may stem the growing trend toward correctional and forensic solutions, reduce criminalization and guard against the continued erosion of mental health consumers' rights and freedoms.
Stanley Stylianos, Program Manager, Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office, Toronto
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