This section of the Manual provides you with a brief outline of what each section of the Manual covers and explains how to use it to find what you are looking for quickly and easily. For help using this online resource click here.
You will see that the Manual has an index divided into a Menu which includes introductory background and publishing information, followed by 12 Chapters and appendices. The chapter headings and chapter summaries set out to help you to quickly work out which chapter of the Manual is likely to have the information you are looking for. You can then click on the link to that chapter, and you will be taken directly to it.
Each chapter begins with an outline summary of the topic or topics covered in that chapter. You can also see from the clicking on the chapters that most are divided into a number of sections, each of which deals with a separate sub-topic. Once you have clicked on the chapter you can click on the link to the section most likely to have the information you are looking for and start reading.
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Many sections of the Manual include information about contact and referral points to which you can go to obtain further information or assistance with a particular type of question or problem. For example, Chapter 10 provides detailed information about complaint handling bodies and processes, and legal and other advocacy and support services that may be able to assist you to respond to legal and service user related problems. This chapter is referred to in several other chapters.
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See below for a short summary of what is in each part of the Manual.
Short Summary of Contents
The Home section heading under the Menu provides a short history about the Manual, as well as general information. The Acknowledgement section heading acknowledges and thanks those organisations that have provided financial support for its development and those individuals that have advised on and co-authored its contents over 5 Editions since 2000. The Menu also sets out publishing and copyright information, and the disclaimers that qualify the reliance that should be placed on the Manual. There is also a section that explains the language and terminology used throughout the Manual.
Chapter 1 explains the purpose of the Manual and for whom it is written.
Chapter 1 also explains the policy and organisational frameworks at the national and state levels that regulate or influence mental health care and treatment in NSW. It provides an overview of the role played by the public, private, and community managed (non-government sectors). It describes the dominant model of public mental health care and treatment and support in NSW, as well as emerging and competing theoretical and practical approaches. In particular, it outlines the principles of a trauma-informed recovery-oriented practiceRecovery-oriented practice refers to the application of sets of skills and capabilities that support people to undertake the journey of individual recovery. This assists people to recognise and take responsibility for their own recovery and wellbeing, and define their own goals, wishes and aspirations. More approach to mental health care and treatment.
Chapter 2 – The Legal Framework
Chapter 2 provides a more detailed overview of the laws that influence or regulate the provision of mental health care, treatment and support in NSW; and a brief explanation of the status and function of law within Australia. It identifies and explains the function and legal operation of service and professional “standards” in the provision of health care in Australia, and in mental health care and treatment specifically. It then identifies and explains some specific laws that play an important role in relation to mental health care, treatment and support in NSW.
Chapter 2 also provides an introduction to human rights and identifies and outlines some key human rights laws that are of significance to people living with mental health conditions.
Chapter 3 – Health care and treatment
Chapter 3 provides an overview of general health care rights in Australia (not specific to mental health care and treatment). It explains rights of access to medical treatment in the Australian and NSW health care systems. It identifies and explains the specific rights patients have in relation to the provision of medical treatment, including the requirements for ‘informed consent’ to treatment, the right to a second opinion, and the right to refuse medical treatment. It identifies and explains the rights people have to privacy of their health records, and their rights to access these records. It also outlines the specific rights that ‘patients’ have in the public or private hospital systems in NSW.
Chapter 4 – NSW mental health law and processes
Chapter 4 provides a detailed overview of mental health care, treatment and support in NSW, with a specific focus on the compulsory treatment of ‘civil’ patients or affected persons under the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW) (civil jurisdiction). With respect to the civil jurisdiction, Chapter 4 explains the distinction between voluntary and involuntary mental health treatment. It explains the legal basis upon which a person may be admitted to and detained in a mental health facility as an ‘assessable person’ or as an involuntary patient, and be provided with mental health treatment on a compulsory basis. It also outlines the legal basis upon which persons who are detained in mental health facilities can be administered specific forms of treatment, including non-mental health related medical treatment and electro-convulsive therapy.
Chapter 4 also explains the legal basis upon which a person may be subject to compulsory mental health treatment in the community under a ‘community treatment orderA Community Treatment Order is a legal order made by the Mental Health Review Tribunal, or in some circumstances, a Magistrate. It authorises the compulsory care and treatment, usually including the regular administration of medication, of a person with mental illness living in the community. The order is implemented by a public community mental health service, often in collaboration with a range of community managed organisations providing psychosocial care and support services. More.’ Chapter 4 then goes on to explain the role of the NSW Mental Health Review TribunalThe Mental Health Review Tribunal is a specialist quasi-judicial body constituted under the NSW Mental Health Act 2007. It has a wide range of powers that enable it to conduct mental health inquiries, make and review orders, and to hear some appeals, about the treatment and care of people with a mental illness. The Tribunal has a wide jurisdiction, and conducts both civil and forensic hearings., and the statutory inquiry and review processes that protect persons from being unlawfully detained and treated in mental health facilities or treated on a compulsory basis in the community. It outlines the rights that persons who are subject to compulsory treatment have under the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW), including in relation to seeking discharge from compulsory treatment. It explains the concept and function of ‘designated carer’ for a person subject to involuntary treatment, and the rights of the designated carer and other persons including the Principal Care ProviderPrincipal care provider (who may also be a designated carer) is the person primarily responsible for providing support or care to a consumer (though not on a commercial basis).The principal care provider is entitled to the same information as a designated carer (unless excluded from being given information by the consumer).They are persons entitled to be informed of a range of matters about the person for whom they provide care, including about their admission, aspects of treatment and discharge. More to health information about a person who is subject to involuntary treatment.
Chapter 4 also explains the rights of involuntary patients including how they might address complaints and seek advocacy assistance.
Chapter 5 – Substitute decision-making and capacity
Chapter 5 explains the laws and legal processes that apply when a person is unable to make general lifestyle, health care and financial decisions for themselves and someone else is required to make these decisions on their behalf. The concepts of “legal capacityCapacity refers to a person’s ability to make his/her own decisions and give informed consent. These may be small decisions, such as what to do each day, or bigger decisions like where to live or whether to have a medical procedure. A person may lack capacity in some areas, but still be able to make other decisions. More” and “substitute decision-makingSubstitute decision-making refers to a situation where an adult who has legal capacity to make decisions for another adult who does not have legal capacity to make these decisions for themselves. The substituted decision has legal effect as if it were a decision made by the person. A substitute decision-maker may be entitled to make some decisions on behalf of another person without being given specific authority to do so under a Guardianship or Financial Management Order, or under Enduring Guardianship or Power of Attorney. More” are explained, as is the emerging concept of “supported decision-makingSupported decision making is the process of assisting a person to make their own decisions so they can identify and pursue goals, make choices about their life and exercise control over the things that are important to them. The person is always at the centre of the process, driven by the person’s needs and wants and their decision-making style. It is an approach designed to support people to exercise their legal capacity. More.”
Chapter 5 provides an outline of NSW legislation related to substitute decision-makingSubstitute decision-making refers to a situation where an adult who has legal capacity to make decisions for another adult who does not have legal capacity to make these decisions for themselves. The substituted decision has legal effect as if it were a decision made by the person. A substitute decision-maker may be entitled to make some decisions on behalf of another person without being given specific authority to do so under a Guardianship or Financial Management Order, or under Enduring Guardianship or Power of Attorney. More, focusing on the Guardianship Act 1987 (NSW), the Trustee and Guardian Act 2009 (NSW) and the Powers of Attorney Act 2003 (NSW). It explains the meaning and legal significance of the roles of ‘person responsibleA person responsible refers to someone recognised under the Guardianship Act 1987 (NSW) as having the authority to make most medical and dental care decisions for a person who does not have legal capacity to make these decisions for themselves. This person can be guardian; spouse or partner; or a person who provides unpaid care such as a friend or relative. More,’ guardianIn NSW, guardians can make some medical and lifestyle decisions for a person who does not have capacity to make the decision themselves. These decisions may include decisions such as where the person lives; the services they should receive, and what medical and dental treatment they receive. A Guardian does not have authority to make financial decisions on a person’s behalf. A guardian can be a person or officer (e.g. Public Guardian) appointed by the Guardianship Division of NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. A guardian can be a relative or kinship carer, a family friend or is a carer who has an established and positive relationship with the person. There is no legal definition of who may be a suitable person. More, and financial managerA Financial Manager can make decisions about the ‘estate’ of a person who does not have legal capacity to make these decisions for themselves. The ‘estate’ of a person includes their financial, property and legal affairs. A Financial Manager can be a person, officer (e.g. NSW Trustee and Guardian), or organisation (e.g. a trustee company) appointed by a Tribunal (e.g. the Guardianship Division of NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, or the Mental Health Review Tribunal) or the Supreme Court of NSW. More. It explains powers of attorney, enduring powers of attorney, enduring guardianshipGuardianship is the legal relationship that is created when someone is given the legal authority to make certain decisions on another person’s behalf because that the person does not have the legal capacity to make these decisions for themselves. In NSW, Guardians are appointed by the Guardianship Division of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal to make some medical and lifestyle decisions for a person. A Guardian does not have authority to make financial decisions on a person’s behalf. More, and advance care directives and the administrative and legal processes by which such arrangements may be put in place and be reviewed and revoked. The relationship between involuntary treatment under the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW) and substituted decision-making under guardianship and financial management legislation is clarified. The role of the Guardianship Division of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) in relation to guardianship and financial management and the NSW Mental Health Review TribunalThe Mental Health Review Tribunal is a specialist quasi-judicial body constituted under the NSW Mental Health Act 2007. It has a wide range of powers that enable it to conduct mental health inquiries, make and review orders, and to hear some appeals, about the treatment and care of people with a mental illness. The Tribunal has a wide jurisdiction, and conducts both civil and forensic hearings. and the NSW Supreme Court in relation to financial management is explained, as are the legal processes associated with the applying for guardianship and financial management orders or seeking their review or termination.
Chapter 6 – Mental Illness and the criminal justice system
Chapter 6 provides information for those people living with mental health conditions who come into contact with the criminal justice system, particularly if they are charged with having committed a crime or have been the victim of a crime. It deals with compulsory treatment of ‘forensic’ patients (persons charged or convicted of a serious criminal offence) under the Mental Health Mental Health and Cognitive ImpairmentCognitive impairment is defined by the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (NSW) as an ongoing impairment in adaptive functioning and in comprehension, reasoning, judgement, learning or memory, which has resulted from damage or dysfunction to the brain or mind. Cognitive impairment may arise from intellectual disability, dementia, autism or foetal alcohol spectrum disorder. More Forensic Provisions Act 2020, (forensic jurisdiction). It also deals with diversionary options for persons with mental illness, other mental conditions, or who experience developmental disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More and are accused of lesser offences.
Chapter 6 explains the meaning of the term ‘forensic patient’ and the legal processes by which this status is determined. It explains the bases upon which a forensic patient may be subject to involuntary mental health care and treatment in a mental health facility or in the community as alternatives to imprisonment in a correctional facility. It also explains the meaning of the term ‘correctional patient’ and the process by which a person who is in the general prison population who has or develops a mental illness may be brought within the scope of the Mental Health and Cognitive ImpairmentCognitive impairment is defined by the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (NSW) as an ongoing impairment in adaptive functioning and in comprehension, reasoning, judgement, learning or memory, which has resulted from damage or dysfunction to the brain or mind. Cognitive impairment may arise from intellectual disability, dementia, autism or foetal alcohol spectrum disorder. More Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (NSW).
This chapter goes on to explain the role and powers of the NSW Mental Health Review TribunalThe Mental Health Review Tribunal is a specialist quasi-judicial body constituted under the NSW Mental Health Act 2007. It has a wide range of powers that enable it to conduct mental health inquiries, make and review orders, and to hear some appeals, about the treatment and care of people with a mental illness. The Tribunal has a wide jurisdiction, and conducts both civil and forensic hearings. in its forensic jurisdiction in regularly reviewing the circumstances of forensic and correctional patients. It explains the rights that forensic and correction patients have under the Act including in relation to leave, visitors and discharge. It also explains the rights of victims of crimes committed by forensic patients before the NSW Mental Health Review TribunalThe Mental Health Review Tribunal is a specialist quasi-judicial body constituted under the NSW Mental Health Act 2007. It has a wide range of powers that enable it to conduct mental health inquiries, make and review orders, and to hear some appeals, about the treatment and care of people with a mental illness. The Tribunal has a wide jurisdiction, and conducts both civil and forensic hearings.. It also explains the role and powers of the NSW Police Force, focusing on areas of likely contact between the Police and persons with mental illness and psychosocial impairmentThe loss or limitation of physical, mental or sensory function on a long-term or permanent basis. For people with mental health conditions this would also include a loss of function on an episodic basis, which in many cases leads to long term or permanent impairment and subsequent disablement. More. It also explains the role and powers of other enforcement agencies such as local government rangers and transit officers, and options for dealing with fines, including work and development orders.
This chapter also describes the Local Court process in relation to less serious criminal cases and highlights the avenues by which a person can be charged with a lesser offence or may be diverted from the criminal justice system, including to obtain appropriate treatment and support. Court processes for persons with mental illness charged with serious offences are also explained in Chapter 6.
Chapter 6 also explains Court etiquette (practices), particularly as a guide for unrepresented accused persons. It explains potential avenues of free legal assistance for accused persons, including Legal Aid, community legal centres and pro-bono legal assistance schemes. It also describes the prison system and explains the status and rights of prisoners in several key areas, including in relation to income support, access to health and dental care generally, and to mental health care, treatment and support specifically. The manual also explains the circumstances in which prisoners have access to legal assistance, the avenues of complaint available to prisoners, and the role of the ‘Official Visitor’.
Finally, in Chapter 6, the law and legal process as it applies to victims of crime is outlined. This includes an overview of the NSW Charter of Victims’ Rights and explanation of its role. Apprehended Violence Orders and Protection Orders (for persons under 16) are also explained and the processes by which these might be obtained. It also describes Victims Compensation and explains the process by which it may be sought and provides an overview of victim’s support services, including counselling, and where victims may be able to obtain free legal assistance.
Chapter 7 – Rights in the community
Chapter 7 provides an overview of a number of other laws that impact upon people living in the community with mental health conditions and psychosocial disability . In particular, it outlines the role and scope of anti-discrimination laws generally, and then looks in more detail at the role of these laws in the areas of employment and education specifically. It also gives an overview of general employment law and outlines the avenues for action if you are treated unfairly at work.
This chapter also provides an overview of the law related to accommodation, and explains your rights as a licensee or tenantA tenant or renter is somebody who pays the owner of a property for the right to live in that property for an agreed period. In NSW, a tenant has tenancy rights under Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW). More. It explains avenues for action if you are treated unfairly in accommodation, and the legal and other support that may be available to assist you with accommodation problems.
Likewise, this chapter describes your rights to income support. It explains the various payment types, and some ways in which you can elect to receive payments to better manage your financial obligations and support your independence in the community. It explains the avenues of review and appeal against decisions about income support you disagree with, and the legal and other support that may be available to challenge these decisions.
Chapter 7 provides an overview of the laws governing personal relationships, including in relation to marriage or other relationship breakdown, property distribution following relationship breakdown, and parenting of children following a relationship breakdown. it also provides an overview of the laws related to the protection of children from harm. It explains potential sources of legal and other support for people involved in relationship breakdown, or in contact with the child protection system.
Chapter 7 also briefly describes consumerIn this manual, a consumer refers to a person with direct experience of a mental illness, and who has received, is receiving or is seeking mental health services from a mental health service provider. A consumer may be a patient in a mental health facility or unit and/or, is a client of a community mental health service (whether public or community managed) where they may be receiving mental health care and treatment and/or psychosocial support services. More law and access to democracy in relation to people with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilityPsychosocial disability is not about a diagnosis, it refers to the social and economic consequences related to living with a mental health condition. It is a recognised term used to describe the challenges, or limits, a person experiences in life that are related to their mental health condition. Not everyone living with a mental health condition has a psychosocial disability. More.
Chapter 8 – Diverse Population Groups and their individual needs
Chapter 8 is concerned with people with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More who also experience other significant challenges. It outlines the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as persons from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with co-existing physical health difficulties and looks at some of the issues for people from LGBTIQ communities and describes the policies and standards that seek to ensure equity of access to appropriate culturally sensitive and safe services. This includes information about the availability of community language interpretation and translation services.
Chapter 8 also outlines the legal and service frameworks that operate in relation to children and young people with mental illness or other impairmentThe loss or limitation of physical, mental or sensory function on a long-term or permanent basis. For people with mental health conditions this would also include a loss of function on an episodic basis, which in many cases leads to long term or permanent impairment and subsequent disablement. More. It looks at a number of key issues for children and young people, including the issue of consent to treatment (including mental health treatment), decision-making more generally, the use of restrictive practices, and discipline and punishment. It also includes information about specific legal and other forms of support that are potentially available to children and young people with mental health conditions.
This chapter also outlines the legal and service frameworks that operate in relation to older people with mental health illness or psychosocial disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More. It looks at a number of key issues for older persons, including consent to treatment (including mental health treatment), decision-making more generally, and the use of restrictive practices. It also includes information about specific legal and other forms of support that are potentially available to older persons with mental illnesses.
Chapter 8 also provides information about the legal and service frameworks that relate to persons who have serious eating disorders, such as Bulimia and Anorexia NervosaAnorexia Nervosa is one of the four types of eating disorders that are characterised by disturbances in thinking and behaviour around food, eating, and body weight and/or shape. Anorexia Nervosa is a serious psychological illness involving dangerously low body weight, whereby a person deprives themselves of food and may be engaging in excessive exercise in order to continually reduce body weight based on a false body image and a fear of becoming overweight/gaining weight. More. It outlines potential sources of support for persons living with these conditions and their associates, and how their care and treatment is addressed under the Mental Health Act 1990 (NSW)
Similarly, Chapter 8 presents an overview of the legal and service framework that operate in relation to persons with mental health conditions who have co-existing substance abuse and misuse problems. This includes information about the law related to the compulsory treatment of persons with serious substance addiction. It also provides an overview of the legal and service framework that operates in relation to persons with mental health conditions and/ or psychosocial impairmentThe loss or limitation of physical, mental or sensory function on a long-term or permanent basis. For people with mental health conditions this would also include a loss of function on an episodic basis, which in many cases leads to long term or permanent impairment and subsequent disablement. More who also have other types of developmental disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More, including intellectual disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More, ADHD, Acquired Brain Injury, Dementia and other degenerative illnesses that may affect function.
Chapter 9 – Carers of people with mental health conditions
Chapter 9 contains information specifically for people who are caring for a person with a mental health conditionThe term mental health condition is a broad term that refers to symptoms that may be caused by life events, genetic factors or birth defects. This condition can be temporary, episodic or lifelong. A mental health condition can include mood, anxiety, personality, psychotic and compulsive disorders. It includes, but is not limited to, those conditions and symptoms recognised as constituting mental illness under the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW). More. The information in this chapter is similar to information in other parts of the Manual, but it is written from the perspective of carers, rather than from the perspective of persons living with mental health conditions.
At the outset, Chapter 9 explains the meaning of the term ‘carer’ in a mental health context, and in other contexts. It also explains the special meaning of the term ‘designated carer’ and ‘principal care provider‘ in mental health treatment under the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW), and rights that are attached to this role. It also briefly describes the rights of carers under anti-discrimination law. It also looks at the rights of ‘associates’ of persons with disability (which includes persons living with mental illness and psychosocial disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More) under anti-discrimination law. It explains how these laws can be used by family members and others to obtain protection and redress for unlawful discrimination on the basis of their status as a carer or associate of a person with psychosocial disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More. It also includes information about specific legal and other forms of support that are potentially available to carers and associates of persons with mental illness in relation to claims of discrimination.
Chapter 9 also provides information about other services and supports that may be available to persons caring for persons living with a mental health condition or psychosocial disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More.
Chapter 10 – Complaints and disputes: getting help to resolve them
Chapter 10 describes the role and functions of several complaints handling bodies that are potentially relevant in the area of mental health treatment, care and support. It also describes the role and functions of other complaint handling bodies that may be relevant to persons with mental illness or psychosocial impairments and their associates in their attempts to deal with a range of other day to day problems. This chapter describes where you can get help and information including financial assistance.
Chapter 10 also provides information about a number of types of legal advocacy, mental health advocacy, and broader disability advocacy organisations and services that may be able to provide advice, assistance, and representation to persons with mental illness or psychosocial impairments in relation to various issues.
Chapter 11 – Community based supports for people with mental health conditions
Chapter 11 provides an introduction to the most important sources of specialist community-based support that may be available to persons with mental health conditions or psychosocial disability in the community including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It explains the eligibility criteria for the NDIS, and the types of support capable of being provided under the NDIS, including complex needs. It also explains the avenues of review and appeal in relation to disputed decisions by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), and the potential sources of legal and other assistance that may be available to persons who seek to dispute NDIA decisions.
Chapter 11 also provides information about the Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI), which provides accommodation and related supports to eligible persons with mental health conditions or psychosocial disability to enable them to live in the community. We explain the HASI eligibility rules, and the types and levels of support that are provided under this program. We also explain the complaints mechanisms that are available to persons who may dispute different aspects of the operation of the program and introduces the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission which regulates NDIS providers, provides national consistency, as well as resolving problems and identifying areas for quality improvement.
Chapter 11 also provides a specific section that lists key organisations that relate to matters concerning rights and explains their role/s in that context.
Chapter 12: The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Chapter 12 provides and overview of the NDIS and describes the National DisabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More Insurance Agency (NDIA) which is an independent statutory agency, whose role it is to implement the National DisabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It describes what the NDIS is and how it relates to mainstreamIn the context of the mental health and the NDIS, mainstream services and programs are non-NDIS, government funded and/or delivered services that can be used by everyone. They include public health and mental health services, public transport, education, housing, justice, child protection and employment services. More services and how a person with psychosocial disabilityPsychosocial disability is not about a diagnosis, it refers to the social and economic consequences related to living with a mental health condition. It is a recognised term used to describe the challenges, or limits, a person experiences in life that are related to their mental health condition. Not everyone living with a mental health condition has a psychosocial disability. More may be eligible as a participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More.
This chapter also describes the legal framework and the bilateral agreement between the states and Commonwealth under which the NDIS operates, and the rules and policy that underpin its operation and its relationship to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It also provides some details as to access the NDIS and the roles of other professionals and organisations in assisting participants with planning and managing of funds and packages. Likewise, it directs the reader towards a number of useful resources in terms of receiving quality services and information about decision-making and the NDIS.
The Appendices incorporates three appendices which provide background material and additional information to the Manual as a whole. These appendices are:
Key Terms – is a list of important terms referred to in the Manual with a short definition.
Acronyms – is a list of common acronyms used throughout the Manual and in the mental health sector
Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT) – Information, Guidelines, Forms and Templates – This includes information about appeals, applications for discharge and matters under the Tribunal’s jurisdiction.
Updated June 11, 2021
