QPILCH Mental Health Law Practice provides free legal advice and assistance to people with mental illness, their families and anyone dealing with an issue relating to mental health law.
In some cases we can also assist people with a mental illness who have a different legal problem such as discrimination or debts. Our lawyers cannot provide advice on criminal law or family law because we do not have expertise in these areas.
Issues under the Mental Health Act
The MHLP provides direct advice to clients throughout Queensland on issues arising under the Mental Health Act including:
- Involuntary treatment orders (ITOs)
- ECT applications
- Justice Examination Orders; and
- Other legal issues arising out of mental illness
This includes one off advice about your rights under the Mental Health Act, liaising with health service providers or government agencies and assisting with right to information applications etc. This service is mainly conducted by telephone and through written advice. We also conduct a weekly face to face outreach service at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Unfortunately, at this time, we are not able to assist with forensic orders and related issues.
The MHLP assists clients with ITO hearings in southeast Queensland through our free advocacy service. Through this service, we assist clients to prepare for hearings, assist clients to present their views to the Tribunal and advocate on their behalf at the hearing. MHLP has a panel of trained, independent volunteers who provide assistance and advocacy to clients with ITO hearings in the Mental Health Review Tribunal.
Other legal issues
We can also help people with a mental illness who have other legal problems, such as:
- Centrelink or other social security issues;
- Consumer issues;
- Debts, loan agreements and bankruptcy;
- Discrimination;
- Employment;
- Fines, infringement notices and enforcement warrants issued by the State Penalties and Enforcement Registry (SPER);
- Guardianship or administration issues;
- Housing and tenancy issues;
- Police powers
Open Minds
We also operate a direct advice service at Open Minds at Woolloongabba for clients in Brisbane. Volunteer lawyers can provide advice on a range of civil law issues including consumer issues, debt, problems with neighbours. Contact Open Minds on 07 3896 4222.
