The Mental Illness Caregivers Association is interested in initiating a discussion of involuntary treatment around both addressing “what is broken” and identifying the “need for reform”.

Involuntary admissions to hospitals are regulated provincially. Two involuntary admission criteria are consistent across all jurisdictions: that an individual presents with a mental and/or substance use disorder and that without involuntary admission, presentation of the disorder itself results in likely harm.

A person can be found to be a harm to themselves or others, and therefore must be detained, but at the same time can be determined to have capacity to make treatment decisions for themselves and to refuse treatment. Except for emergency situations, all treatment requires informed, capable, voluntary consent,

Our intent is to involve others in a in a discussion on how best to effect change in Ontario’s laws and practices on involuntary treatment and privacy.

In short, the challenge ahead will be to untangle the complexity while reaching agreement on priorities with respect to addressing “what is broken” with the current system of determining voluntary/involuntary status as well as identifying the “need for reform”.

Issues around involuntary treatment are not easily addressed and there are likely more questions than there are answers. However, given what is at stake, we believe all concerned need to continue the dialogue.

As caregivers we need to seek opportunities to share our concerns as a caregiver community with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Our intent is to urge the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care to review current legislation, practice and methods related to involuntary status determination. To learn more regarding the reforms being sought click here.

To get things started, consider joining us and our community partners by sharing your thoughts regarding how best to effect the change required while both protecting vulnerable people suffering from mental health and/or substance use disorders and an individual’s human right to autonomy and self-determination.