Legal Assistance, Rights and Citizenship

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

        MHLAC Pess Release 2-5-15  

        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.

Disability Law Center 

  • 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

DPPC (Disabled Persons Protection Commission)

MassLegalHelp
“Listen” ReadSpeaker option reads text on each page out loud to you.   Website in multiple languages.

Find Legal Aid

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 

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

Picture of a diamond

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