The entry into force of the new mental health law will result in the release of 46 people, but the end of these hospitalizations depends on the courts, the Directorate-General for Reintegration and Prison Services (DGRSP) explained on Friday.
“With the entry into force of the new Mental Health Law (…), on August 20, the security measures during internment, which have already exceeded the maximum duration to date, will be discontinued. According to a survey prepared by the Internment Service, an estimated 46 people are in this position at the time the diploma comes into effect.
The DGRSP also stressed that it is the prerogative of the courts to decide on measures to place them in a prison or non-prison psychiatric institution, and that “the decision to return these citizens to the community is also the prerogative of the courts.”
The organization also assured that it is “working with the mental health and social care areas to find solutions”, both from a health and social perspective, that are appropriate for each individual case, “giving preference to solutions of a community nature. and the need to monitor the health of these citizens.
According to the DGRSP, 228 people are held in prison psychiatric institutions (Sao João de Deus Hospital Prison in Caxias and the Psychiatry and Mental Health Clinic at the Santa Cruz do Bispo Prison – men). In other non-prison psychiatric institutions, there are 194 people who are not responsible for compliance with the preventive measure in the form of placement in custody.
Lusa also asked DGRSP how many reports from ships on this matter have already been received and are awaiting a response.
The case was solved this Friday by the newspaper Publicwho noted the imminent release of at least 41 people who cannot be prosecuted due to the entry into force of the new mental health law, adding that there are still no solutions for all cases.
An amendment to the Mental Health Act was approved by Parliament on 21 July and ended the consecutive resumption (every two years) of hospitalizations for the mentally ill with sentences exceeding eight years, which could lead to endless hospitalizations.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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