Library

The Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee has written and published a variety of resources regarding topics that are relevant to our clients. In addition, MHLAC has assisted in the writing and/or publication of similar materials in collaboration with other agencies and organizations. The list of publications that follows includes MHLAC publications, MHLAC-assisted publications, and publications of other organizations that explain legal processes that our clients may experience or become involved in.  

Psychiatric Patient Rights

Acronyms Used in Massachusetts Mental Health Advocacy

Unified Planning Teams

Medication Rights

Access to Mental Health Records

Restraining Orders

Psychiatric Inpatient Rights

Emergency Room Rights

Admission and Discharge Rights

Hospitalization in Connection with a Criminal Case

Basic Rights on an Inpatient Psychiatric Unit

Five Fundamental Rights

Movement Rights on an Inpatient Psychiatric Unit

Restraint and Seclusion in Hospitals, Including Emergency Rooms

Department of Mental Health (DMH) Client Rights

DMH Complaint Process

DMH Complaint Process Form in PDF or
DMH Complaint Process Form in MS Word

Privilege Rights on an Inpatient Psychiatric Unit

Restraint and Seclusion in DMH Regulated Psychiatric Units

Treatment Plans for DMH Continuing Care Services

Accessing Services from DMH

Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDS) Client Rights

DDS Eligibility

DDS Client Individual Support Planning

DDS Family Support Services

DDS MASSCAP and ICAP

DDS Residential Services

Resolving Problems with DDS

Resources for Clients of DDS

Transition to Adulthood for DDS Clients

Autism Resources

Department of Youth Services (DYS) Client Rights

DYS Project Flyer in English

DYS Project Flyer in Spanish

DYS Project Newsletter March 2006

DYS Project Newsletter August 2006

DYS Project Newsletter March 2008

DYS Project Newsletter January 2009

DYS Project Newsletter February 2010

DYS Project Newsletter May 2011

Consumer Rights

Managing Credit and Debt

What To Do If You Are In Debt

Debt Collection

Social Security (SSI/SSDI) Rights

Representative Payees

SSI/SSDI Overpayment

Housing Rights

Community Residence Tenancy Law

Keep Your Housing Handbook

Child and Youth Rights

Restraints in Massachusetts Public Schools

Rights of Youth with Mental Health Needs Regarding Education and Special Education in Massachusetts

The Parents' How-to Guide to Children's Mental Health Services in Massachusetts  A publication of the Boston Bar Association with Children's Hospital Boston.

Massachusetts Legal Resources

Mass. Bills and Laws 

Mass. Trial Court Law Libraries 

Supreme Judicial Court Reporter of Decisions  Massachusetts judicial decisions online at no cost.

MassLegalHelp.org  MassLegalHelp.org is a Massachusetts legal aid website to help individuals find practical information about legal rights and locate legal aid services.

MassLegalServices.org  MassLegalServices.org is a Massachusetts legal aid website for advocates and attorneys. The material on this website tends to be more complex than that on MassLegalHelp.org.