Ministers must use the law to address the “unacceptable and inexcusable” failure to address racial disparities in the use of mental health laws, MPs and colleagues say. increase.
The Joint Committee on Mental Health Bills says the bill falls short of addressing failures identified in a groundbreaking independent review five years ago, but failures continue It may even get worse.
In England, blacks are four times more likely than whites to be detained under the Mental Health Act (MHA), eight to more than 11 times more likely than whites in 2018, and are more likely to be given a Community Health Order (CTO). is higher. , according to NHS statistics for 2021-22.
Some minorities are more likely to be detained for longer periods of time, experience multiple detentions, and be detained through contact with emergency departments and the criminal justice system.
The Commission said the groundbreaking 2018 MHA review by Professor Simon Wesselly was intended to address racial and ethnic inequalities, but these issues have not improved since. ing. It is deteriorating rapidly.”
Chairman Mrs Bascom said: “We believe stronger steps are needed to bring about change, particularly to address racial disparities in MHA use. Failures to date are unacceptable and unforgivable.
“The Government will strengthen the Advanced Choice Proposal and give patients the legal right to request a pre-selection document stating their wishes for future care and treatment, thereby strengthening both patient choice and their voice. is needed.”
There is also evidence of the overuse of the CTO as a substitute for dismissal and a lack of evidence of its effectiveness, according to a report released Thursday. Doubts state that the order should be repealed for most people. The proposed exception is for parties in criminal proceedings or in prison where continued use should be considered.
Other key recommendations include the inclusion of explicit requirements in legislation to respect racial equality and the appointment of health authorities to be responsible for collecting and monitoring ethnically disaggregated data on detentions under the MHA. including mandating the These should be reflected in annual figures released by governments and policies to reduce inequality.
The Committee heard evidence that legislation directly affecting racism is difficult, especially when laws such as the Equality Act and Public Sector Equality Mandate already exist.
The report states: Act as a guiding principle.
The committee also recommended stronger obligations to referral agencies to ensure an adequate supply of community services to end inappropriate long-term detention of people with learning disabilities and people with autism.
A Department of Health and Human Services spokeswoman said: .
“The government will now consider the commission’s recommendations and will act accordingly.”
