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Friends have a long history of recognizing that of God in every person. In that light, we believe society should assure adequate resources for the treatment, and care and rehabilitation of those individuals who suffer from a mental disorder and, as needed, to their families. People with mental disturbance disorders (such as schizophrenia and bi-polar
illness) are often also victims of misunderstanding and discrimination; therefore, we advocate educating the public as to the understanding that the mentally ill should participate as fully as they are able in their communities.

Funding for Treatment

FCL believes that all levels of treatment and rehabilitation of those with mental disorders should be coordinated and adequately funded. We advocate that the state grant entitlement status to those with severe mental disorders to ensure that they receive needed services. This entitlement would bring their care and treatment in line with other groups such as the developmentaily disabled, hearing impaired, and visually impaired. MediCai and Supplementary Security income (SSI), the economic mainstays for those with severe and persistent mental disorders, should not be compromised.

Concern for Prisoners with Mental Disorders

Psychiatric services should be provided in prisons where many individuals have mental disorders. However, no persons should be incarcerated solely because they have a mental disorder. If such people are convicted of crimes, they should not be incarcerated in regular
prisons or jails but in facilities where they will receive treatment, care and rehabilitation that will most benefir their conditions. (For further policy guidance in this matter, please refer to FCL's "CRIMINAL JUSTICE" policy.)

Treatment Emphasis

The goal for those with mental disorders should be to achieve the highest possible degree of independence and integration into the community. Some individuals may need support for most or all of their lives, and such support should be provided. We recognize that some
individuals with mental disorders may need to be institutionalized when they are gravely disabled or are a danger to themselves or others. If such care is necessary, its aim should be to restore the patients to independence as quickly as possible and not simply to 'Lvarehouse" them. Once released, adequate follow-up care, medication and rehabilitation
should be provided as long as needed.

Patients should be protected from misuse of medical or administrative authon'ty. Medications should always be prescribed for the benefit of the patient and not for the convenience of the mental health care provider. Confinement and restraint should be used with extreme care and for as short a time as possible.

Timely and Appropriate Services

Assessment by mental health professionals should be required and available without delay to persons who show signs of a serious mental disorder to determine whether they require hospitalization or treatment in a less restrictive environment. Family and friends should be involved in providing input concerning treatment.

Both in-patient and out-patient services, including proper diagnosis and appropriate forms of therapy, should be available. "Dual diagnosis" (addiction and mental illness) services and residential homes should be widely available. Interagency cooperation should be encouraged throughout the system, induding mental health, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, education. employment, social services, and criminal justice.

Community Services

High priority should be given to adequately financed community-based treatment programs. These should include various residential options, case management, socialization centers, out-patient clinics. vocational rehabilitation and supported employment. State and local governments and professional associations should adopt and enforce standards that assure
adequate quality at the various levels of care.

In residential facilities, mental health patients should be provided suitable care for their conditions and should not be placed with others whose needs are profoundly different. The requirements for the care of those with serious mental disorders and the mentally retarded or
developmentally delayed are different, so these groups often cannot be adequately treated in the same facility.

Efforts To End Discrimination Against the Mentally Disturbed

Education of the public to dispel prejudicial attitudes toward individuals with serious mental disorders is needed, especially to encourage the acceptance of residential facilities in local
neighborhoods. Throughout society (at home, work, and school) education about mental disorders should be provided so fear and stereotyping can be replaced by care and acceptance.



Aproved by FCL Northern Regional Committee 5/9/98.
Approved by FCL Southern Regional Committee 6/18/98.