Lived experiences of Compulsory Community Treatment Orders under the Mental Health Act (1992) webinar
Watch our first recording in the Te Huringa Tuarua webinar series - 28 September 2023. Find out what changes we want to see happen with Compulsory Community Treatment Orders in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In June of this year, we released a report on lived experiences of Compulsory Community Treatment Orders under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992. In this report, we intentionally bring forward the views of tāngata whaiora Māori, people with lived experience, family, and whānau related to the Compulsory Community Treatment Order process. The focus is on clinical review (application) and the court hearing (outcome) as formal substitute decision-making practices under the Act.
These voices raise questions about the extent to which people are involved and participate meaningfully in clinical reviews and court hearings under the Act. Such questions show there is more work to do to improve practice. This includes taking more time for decision making and involving whānau, family and other supporters in planning with tāngata whaiora.
During this webinar, we shared our key findings and discussed the changes we want to see happen to shift practices under the current Mental Health Act.
The Government process to repeal and replace the Act is underway, but it is likely to be years before new legislation is passed and fully implemented. We call for new law, based on supported decision making, embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori, as well as changes that need to be made in practice now.
Who presented:
Tanya Maloney, Director Mental Health and Addiction System Leadership
In her role, Tanya provides strategic thought leadership and influence in the transformation of the mental health and addiction sector. Tanya originally trained as a clinical psychologist and has clinical experience in community, acute, and secure mental health settings. She has held mental health management roles in the NGO and DHB sector, including General Manager of mental health for Counties Manukau DHB. She has also had senior management roles in public health, women’s health, and child health, and executive roles in strategic planning and funding in Australia and Aotearoa.
Alison Schneller, Principal Advisor Mental Health and Addiction Sector
At Te Hiringa Mahara, Alison has a particular focus on advocating for the collective interests of people who experience mental distress or addiction (or both), and the people who support them. Alison has a research background in sociology and law, and recently completed PhD research that critically explored processes and practices related to Compulsory Community Treatment Order applications, and how those involved become heard. Alison also draws on her sector work experience, which includes ten years working for South Auckland’s mental health and addiction service. This involved responsibility for the administration of the Mental Health Act 1992. Alison has also served as a Board member for Auckland based advocacy and support organisation, Changing Minds.
Guy Baker, Principal Advisor Māori Whānau Lived Experience
He uri au o te iwi o Ngāti Porou
Ko Guy Baker awau
A personal journey of lived experience of mental distress later in life, sparked a passion that saw Guy join Te Kupenga Net Trust in Tairāwhiti as an adult peer support/advocacy worker, Consumer Leader, and Mataora. Guy was privileged to carry the voices of whānau to local, regional, and national forums where he was a Co-Chair of Ngā Hau e Whā (National Consumer Advocacy Group) and become a member of the National Association of Mental Health Services Consumer Advisors (NAMHSCA) prior to joining Te Hiringa Mahara in 2022.