Reforms will bring mental health laws into the 21st century

Sunday 12 July 2015

The biggest reform of mental health laws in almost 50 years promises better support, more help in the community and better access to independent advice.

Jersey’s mental health law dates back to 1969 – when treatment for mental health issues was very different, and when there was far more social stigma attached – but the Health department have been working with GPs, charities, the courts and the prison service to come up with changes.

A consultation has been launched and a new law is being drawn up to go to the States – if it’s approved, it could be in force in 2018.

Among the proposals are:

- More treatment in the community, rather than in hospital.

- Better Human Rights protection so people aren’t detained inappropriately.

- Improved access to Mental Health Advocates to advise people of their rights and represent them if necessary.

- Allowing courts to send people with mental health issues to hospital for treatment.

Health Minister Andrew Green, along with Chief Minister Ian Gorst, has made reform of mental health legislation a key priority for the next few years.

Senator Green said that the law had to change to reflect the way that society thought about mental health issues.

He said: “I am pleased to offer Islanders this opportunity to comment on something as important as the Mental Health Law. Our perceptions of mental health issues, and our knowledge of the complexity of conditions, has transformed in the last 50 years.

“We urgently need a new law which reflects modern standards and is fit for purpose.

“The law has been developed in consultation with a range of key stakeholders including GPs, charities, the Law Society, the Courts, the Prison and front-line staff. 

“We now want to provide Islanders with an opportunity to comment, if they wish to do so. A great deal of detailed work has been done to progress to this point and I would like to thank everyone who has worked on it and who has given their time so far to be involved.”

Anyone can read the proposals for reform, which are online here. The Health department would like comments by the end of August – either online or by email here.