MHLAC HOME SAVE THE DATE: October 9, 2009 The MHLAC Training Guardianship and Conservatorship: Article 5 of the MUPC will be held at MCLE in Boston. Details... In Memoriam: Dr. Adela Wilkeson 1948-2009 We are very sorry to announce the passing of Dr. Adela Wilkeson. Dr. Wilkeson represented the best of mental health care providers: accomplished, caring and willing to spend her own unpaid time advocating for the needs of her clients. Dr. Wilkeson was key to success in a case brought by Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee that procured coverage of out-of-network treatment for a MassHealth recipient. Dr. Wilkeson was a published author of articles about trauma and cultural sensitivity, provided care for low-income persons, and was an active pacifist and former chairperson of the Boston chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility. She will be greatly missed. MENTAL HEALTH PARITY Expanded more... In the News: ER Rights Legislation The Handbook on Guardianship and the Alternatives -Updated December 2007 Edition. NOW AVAILABLE - View electronic copy or Contact the MHLAC for information regarding printed copies. Second Edition Now online- View electronic copy Just for Youth: Advocating for Youth in the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services , view by Chapters. Printed copies of the second edition available soon. Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee has endorsed the policy paper, "Children's Mental Health in the Commonwealth: The Time is Now" written by MSPCC and Children's Hospital Boston. please visit. NEW! A guide for tenants with mental health issues. NEW Brochures on Your Rights Rosie D - US District Court rules Massachusetts mental health system violates Federal Medicaid Rights of 15,000 children with emotional disabilities. MHLAC clients prevail in suit to obtain home based mental health services. Summary of decision Full decision Rosie D Website New! Free Legal Assistance for DYS-Involved Youth.     English     Spanish file DYS Newsletter issue #1 as a PDF file DYS Newsletter issue #2 as a PDF file DYS Newsletter issue #3 as a PDF file DYS Newsletter issue #4 as a PDF file NOW AVAILABLE: THE PARENTS' HOW-TO GUIDE TO CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN MASSACHUSETTS New! Information on mental health managed care. Added 7/11/04: Important Articles MHLAC NEWS MHLAC Training Clubhouse Family Legal Support Project Join MHLAC email list for updates Prescription Drug Savings Plan Revised Handbook on Minors Rights Latest Advisor Now Available Managed Care Hotline Mental Health News in the Media Recent Briefs MHLAC PAGES Mental Health Advocacy Links MHLAC Officers/Members Legislative Legal Representation Administrative Managed Care Intake Information Training Contact the MHLAC PUBLICATIONS The Advisor Mental Health Law Guide Revised Handbook on Minors Rights DMH Annual Report 2001 Other Publications Order Publications

THE MENTAL HEALTH LEGAL ADVISORS COMMITTEE THE MENTAL HEALTH LEGAL ADVISORS COMMITTEE In 1973, the Massachusetts Legislature established the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee (MHLAC) to secure and protect the legal rights of persons involved in mental health and retardation programs in the Commonwealth. MHLAC, appointed by the justices of the Supreme Judicial Court, consists of fourteen judges and lawyers who are knowledgeable and experienced in mental health law. The work of MHLAC is carried out by a small staff of lawyers who seek to make full use of the law to ensure that the rights of persons who are or may be regarded as mentally disabled are recognized and protected. Over the past 35 years, MHLAC has fulfilled its statutory mission through legal representation of individuals, families, and associations of people involved in the mental health system; participation in the legislative process to promote and advance their legal rights; and participation in state and federal administrative processes to ensure that rights granted are effectively implemented and that services that individuals are entitled to are actually delivered. MHLAC's advocacy work reaches individuals and families who have experienced such problems as denial of access to community-based care and discrimination on the basis of disability. MHLAC also aids adults and minors in public and private facilities who need legal advice about commitment and discharge and the rights to receive or refuse treatment. The recently-enacted Act to Protect the Five Fundamental Rights mandates that all programs and facilities doing business with the Department of Mental Health ensure access to attorneys and advocates of MHLAC and other legal service organizations. The legal staff of MHLAC provides legal referrals, information, and advice to individuals, lawyers, mental health professionals and the general public. MHLAC reviews new developments in mental health, housing, family, and disability civil rights law through its legal journal, the Advisor, and publications such as the Mental Health Law Guide and the Managed Care Packet. MHLAC and its staff contribute to a wide range of education and training for judges, lawyers, and others to maintain quality legal representation and improve the administration of justice when issues related to mental health and disability are presented. MHLAC also serves as Committee for Public Counsel Services Regional Coordinator for attorneys handling civil commitment and mental health treatment cases in Suffolk, Middlesex and Essex counties. TOP