These are PUBLIC MEETINGS of a State policy body.The CA Mental Health Planning Council (CMHPC) advises the CA Department of Mental Health and the legislature. It is composed of twenty CA different Department representatives (prisons, social services, rehabilitation, etc.) plus twenty people from various categories of mental health providers, advocates, family members and a few "direct clients". At it's Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 15th, 2010 at 6 - 8p.m., at the Hilton Oakland Airport, @ one Hegenberger Road, Oakland, CA the legislative agenda regarding forced hospitalizations and Seclusion and restraint will be discussed and probably acted upon. The full Council will act upon the Executive Committee's recommendation on Thursday Morning at about 8 a.m. at the same Hilton Oakland Airport. | The staff recommendation is to OPPOSE all seclusion and restraint. This needs client support.The staff also recommends SUPPORTING the Mental Health America policy of supporting "limited" forced hospitalizations when less restrictive alternatives are not available. Although this is NOT support of Laura's law, it is a move in the wrong direction. MHSA has us moving on voluntary & humane services. | I request clients, consumers and our allies to attend these meetings and SUPPORT OPPOSITION TO SECLUSION AND RESTRAINT and OPPOSE ALL FORCED HOSPITALIZATIONS.Even limited forced hospitalizations is a failed tactic and does not save lives. Crisis hospitalization is extremely expensive. Also, we need to spend our limited financial resources on voluntary crisis residential facilities and early recovery / wellness interventions. Please spread the word. Show up early. I think the Client Network position can win if it is heard. But, it needs to be articulately heard. |
