30 September 2022
by Graham Martin
It includes major input from the voluntary sector
The final report of the Scottish Review of Mental Health Law has been published.
Led by John Scott KC, the Scott Review is the product of more than three years work and features major input from the voluntary sector.
The first of its kind in over 20 years, it includes direct quotes from many of the voices of lived experience, including unpaid carers, as well as practitioners and relevant groups and organisations, and makes over 200 recommendations for reform.
Chair of the review, John Scott KC said: “Contributors have helped us to develop a new, positive vision of our mental health law with three key aspects.
These are strengthening the voice of people who use services and those who care for them, reducing the need for coercion in the system and giving effect to all people’s rights, including economic and social rights.
“Our recommendations will bring Scotland in line with thinking and practice internationally as assessed against developing human rights standards, like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
“It will take some time to fully implement our recommendations. We have therefore separated them into short, medium and long term.
“There are excellent practitioners and good practice in some areas already. This can be expanded. Addressing stigma and culture change can also begin at once.
“Some recommendations will depend on greater resources and an increase in the number of mental health practitioners. Co-ordination will be required within government to address some areas that cut across different departments.
“This will not be easy but is consistent with the developing picture in Scotland of human rights for everyone which should be clarified in the Scottish Government’s forthcoming Human Rights Bill.”
Read the review summary here:
SMHLR-Final-Report-Summaries-and-Recommendations-EMBARGOED-UNTIL-1300-30th-SEPTEMBERDownload
Law review promises a new, positive vision of mental health - TFN
The above information is from a Third Force News (TFN) Newsletter sent me Fri 16/09/2022