The Handbook on the Legal Rights of Minors (2001 Edition)

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The Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee Handbook on the Legal Rights of Minors was updated in 2001 to reflect the numerous changes in mental health law, the Handbook is an invaluable guide to the law related to the mental health care of children and adolescents.

Page after page of clear, concise explanations and easy-to-find reference materials, the Handbook sheds light on new legislative and administrative initiatives:

Order the handbook.

Synopsis of major chapters:

Accessing Mental Health Services
Eligibility criteria, agency coverage, complaint procedures for the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Public Health, Social Services, and Youth Services, Division of Medical Assistance, and the Office of Child Care Services.

Participation in Treatment Planning
Individual service plan, treatment plan, and periodic review requirements under the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Social Services, and for group care and temporary shelter facilities licensed by the Office of Child Care Services.

Guardianship
Forms of guardianship, filing for guardianship, alternatives to guardianship, care and protection, child in need of services, and deliquency proceedingss, and termination of parental rights.

Treatment Rights
Right to treatment, informed consent, right to refust treatment, right to refuse to serve as a research subject, and who may consent to or refuse treatment.

Admission and Committment
Section 12, conditional voluntary status, civil commitment proceedings and appeals, hospitalization in connection with a criminal case, commitment of substance abusers, and civil commitment reform.

Civil Rights
Telephone calls, visitors, letters, personal possessions, privacy, security, clothing, free expression, money management, payment for work, discrimination, counseling and confidentiality for HIV testing, smoking, notice of human rights, complaints, and legal representation.

Restraint, Seclusion, and Behavior Management
Restraint, seclusion, and behavior management in facilities, programs, and schools liscensed, funded or accredited by state agencies and JCAHO.

Confidentiality and Privilege
Types of professionals who must keep information confidential, exeptions to requirement, remedies for breach of confidentiality, privilege and exceptions to privilege.

Access to Mental Health Records
Legal requirements, practical tips on accessing records, appealing denial of access, copying fees, and amending records.

Cash Assistance Benefits
Eligibility guidelines, application processes, and calculation of benefits for Supplimental Security Income (SSI), Social Security, Transitional Aid to Familities with Dependant Children (welfare), and Emergency Aid for the Elderly, Disabled and Children (general relief).

Healthcare Coverage Programs
Eligibility guidelines, application processes and appealing denials for Masshealth and Commonhealth (Medicaid), private insurance, and other healthcare coverage programs.

Special Education
Eligibility guidelines, referral, evaluation, individualized education program, independent evaluations, school disciplinary actions, due process rights, records, Chapter 688 referral, and educational services in institutional settings.

Legal and Advocacy Resources
General and specialized legal services, and parent support and advocacy services.

Also available from Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee:

To receive your 2001 edition of The Handbook on the Legal Rights of Minors, please complete this form and mail with a check for your donation of $50 made out to MHLAC Trust Fund to:

Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee
ATTN: Publications
294 Washington Street, Suite 320
Boston, MA 02108

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