5 Fundamental Rights + Fresh Air
2015 Summary by MHLAC
“Massachusetts General Law Chapter 123, section 23 (“Section 23”) protects the right to engage in certain activities in programs and facilities operated by, licensed by or contracted with the Department of Mental Health (DMH)”
The Right to Fresh Air signed into law by Governor Duval Patrick ~ January 2015
Invitation to the Fresh Air Celebration! Hosted by the Mental Health Legal Advisory Committee
Wednesday, April 15, 2015, 10:00-11:30, Members’ Lounge at MA State House
Worcester Magazine article
Legal Assistance
Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee (MHLAC) Advancing the rights and opportunities of persons with mental disabilities through quality legal advocacy and education in Massachusetts. All callers who present with a legal issue related to mental health within broad priorities will receive basic advice and referral information.
- MHLAC Library of pamphlets and booklets
- MHLAC Links to agencies and organizations
- DLC Priorities
- PAIMI in MA (national program of Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness)
- Disability Law Center Publications
Legal publications and information available for printing and download. Topics include accessibility, consumer, criminal offender record information (CORI), education benefits, elder, employment, health, housing, mental health, and voting. - (800) 872-9992 (617) 227-9464; 1-800-381-0577 (TTY)
General Intake (617) 723-8455 [email protected]
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
- How to do an Advanced Directive
DPPC (Disabled Persons Protection Commission)
MassLegalHelp
“Listen” ReadSpeaker option reads text on each page out loud to you. Website in multiple languages.
Ask a Law Librarian and Law Library resource links
MA Network of Information Providers
Look for “MA Advocates for Children” and “Massachusetts Office on Disability”
NARPA National Association for Rights, Protection and Advocacy
Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts
Legal advocacy and resource center providing representation to low income children in Eastern Massachusetts. Ask about special education and DCF custody and guardianship issues.
MA Department of Mental Health (DMH) Rights and Policies
- DMH Human Rights Policy
- DMH Human Rights Complaint Form
- DMH Human Rights Handbook (English and Spanish)
- DMH Policies and Forms
- DMH Statutes, Regulations and Policies
Citizenship
Coming Home A directory of resources and services available to ex-offenders in Greater Boston
MA Association for Community Action
MA Directory of City and Town Halls
Immigration and refugee assistance at Multicultural Resources
MA Voter Registration and Information:
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/
www.wheredoivotema.com
But only your fair share!
FREE tax help and what to bring to the consultation
Disability Law Center has detailed information about Social Security benefits and tax refunds