UKDPC has been invited to participate in the conference 'Autonomy and Inclusion' which launches the Report on the results of the socio-legal research carried out by the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) in the area of disability. It also gives the opportunity to contribute to suggestions for possible future work, and to engage with a wide ranging discussion with colleagues from other European member states about the implementation of the CRPD.
The workshop sessions are highlighting interesting areas of discussion about the use of involuntary treatment placements and treatment orders, and the matter of legal capacity. This complex matter has many layers in relation to the UK application of the Mental Health Act and the lack of address of the potential suspension or informal stasis of capacity, and is worth considering in relation to comparative studies on guardianship and capacity hearings for those being placed in residential care. Generally speaking the use of legal capacity has a particular impact on people with learning difficulties, but on closer examination, it appears that impact is far wider.
UKDPC will continue to explore capacity and also involuntary detention with colleagues and our member groups over the next few months, and will be identifying accessible resources to broaden the discussions. We will also be identifying some possible contributions to the debate from colleagues internationally. There is a growing movement of mental health system survivors and users who are calling for removal of mental health acts, to be replaced by general health provision legislation which use a rights based approach, rather than a medical model. This is apparently the case in Italy and is the focus for concerted campaigning in Denmark. We will be reporting on this as part of the discussions on capacity.
UKDPC has met with grass roots activists as part of the conference and welcomes the opportunity to share insights and experiences with colleagues from across the member states. It is remarkable that there is a continued overlap of priorities and shared focus for human rights based campaigns. We will be posting the FRA links and specifically the reports. Their support for our continued participation has been very much appreciated.
