What are the rights of families and children when dealing with mental illness?

When families and children in the District of Columbia are dealing with mental illness, they have certain rights that are guaranteed by legal protections. The Mental Health Consumer Protection Act gives mental health consumers the right to receive nondiscriminatory treatment, receive information about their diagnosis and treatment options, participate in any decision regarding their care, and access their medical records. This also includes the right to refuse a particular treatment and the right to appeal any decisions made by mental health professionals. The Mental Health Patients’ Bill of Rights guarantees that mental health consumers may not be subject to any form of involuntary civil commitment. They have the right to have complaints addressed by a healthcare provider and the right to be free from discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and more. In addition to these rights, parents and children also have the right to refuse mental health treatment for children if they perceive that it could be harmful. Parents have the right to ask for a second opinion and also can ask that their children receive treatment in their home environment. Finally, parents and guardians have the right to be informed of all medications their child may be taking and should be included in decisions regarding the child’s care whenever appropriate. Ultimately, it’s important that families and children use their rights to make the best decisions in regards to mental health care. This includes getting informed consent on any treatments, as well as making sure that all medical treatments are safe, effective, and fit with the family’s values.

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What are the rights of families and children when dealing with mental illness?

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