Free legal aid for persons with mental illness and other marginalized group of population

World Psychiatric Association-Asian Journal of Psychiatry Commission on Public Mental Health

Although there is considerable evidence showing that the prevention of mental illnesses and adverse outcomes and mental health promotion can help people lead better and more functional lives, public mental health remains overlooked in the broader contexts of psychiatry and public health. Likewise, in undergraduate and postgraduate medical curricula, prevention and mental health promotion have often been ignored. However, there has been a recent increase in interest in public mental health, including an emphasis on the prevention of psychiatric disorders and improving individual and community wellbeing to support life trajectories, from childhood through to adulthood and into older age. These lifespan approaches have significant potential to reduce the onset of mental illnesses and the related burdens for the individual and communities, as well as mitigating social, economic, and political costs. Informed by principles of social justice and respect for human rights, this may be especially important for addressing salient problems in communities with distinct vulnerabilities, where prominent disadvantages and barriers for care delivery exist. Therefore, this Commission aims to address these topics, providing a narrative overview of relevant literature and suggesting ways forward. Additionally, proposals for improving mental health and preventing mental illnesses and adverse outcomes are presented, particularly amongst at-risk populations.

Free legal aid in hospitals for persons with mental illness: Is it helpful? An Indian prospective study

BACKGROUND

Legislative backing exists to set up free legal aid clinics in psychiatric hospitals to provide legal assistance to their patients.

AIMS

This study aimed to assess the utility of a free legal aid clinic running inside a mental health establishment.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 71 subjects (chosen via convenience sampling) were recruited. Assessments were carried out at baseline and two months after intake. Legal needs and the legal outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Most of the legal issues were either family-related (50.7%) or civil issues (28.2%). A majority of patients (64.4%) had implemented the advice given at the clinic. Those who had implemented the advice had a better legal outcome, defined as either resolution of the legal issue or that the legal issue was in an active proceeding compared to those who had not implemented the advice (P = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

The provision of free legal aid services in mental health establishments would benefit patients.