Special Needs of the Mentally Ill and Overview - Week 10 Discussion
Background: Read a submission by the Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office (PPAO) to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing prior to third reading of Bill 109, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. Although Bill 109 has now been enacted the submissions are still relevant. The PPAO is an organization within the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care that ensures that the rights of those with mental illness are not being abused. A psychiatric patient may be admitted involuntarily to a hospital by a doctor. Often the patient is brought to the hospital by the police after some incident. The patient can then challenge the involuntary admission. The PPAO, through rights advisers, ensures that the patient will have legal representation. One concern will be that the patient may have no place to live, particularly if the incident leading to the admission was an act of violence in the patient’s previous residence.
Note: Postings are due by the beginning of class in Week 12.
Discussion Questions:
1. Identify 3 or 4 of the key recommendations regarding Bill 109. What are the special needs of psychiatric patients that support these recommendations?
2. Do you agree or disagree with these recommendations? Give your reasons.
3. In your opinion, do the special needs of psychiatric patients justify amendments to the law that will impact all tenants or landlords in the province? What alternative legislative approach could be followed?
“The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then it's you.” Rita Mae Brown
Note: Postings are due by the beginning of class in Week 12.
Discussion Questions:
1. Identify 3 or 4 of the key recommendations regarding Bill 109. What are the special needs of psychiatric patients that support these recommendations?
2. Do you agree or disagree with these recommendations? Give your reasons.
3. In your opinion, do the special needs of psychiatric patients justify amendments to the law that will impact all tenants or landlords in the province? What alternative legislative approach could be followed?
“The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then it's you.” Rita Mae Brown