YOUR CIVIL, LEGAL AND PERSONAL RIGHTS

• Be Informed About Your Rights
  Make sure staff inform you about your rights. If you have questions, ask your Advocate for assistance.

• Due Process
  Know that your rights cannot be taken away without justification.

• Habeas Corpus
  If you feel you are being held in a facility illegally, you have the right to file a petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus with the attorney of your choice.

• Education
  If you are school age, you have a right to receive a free and appropriate public education.

• Complaints
  When you feel your rights have been violated you should notify staff or your Advocate.

• Legal Competency
  You have the right to be treated as a legally competent individual unless a court has determined you to be otherwise.

• Safe and Humane Environment
  You have a right to safe and humane living areas and treatment for your positive self-image and human dignity.

• Freedom From Abuse
  You should not be physically or mentally abused or neglected by staff of the facility.

• Privacy/Confidentiality
  Your treatment should be respected and treated with privacy.

• Freedom of Movement
  You should not be unnecessarily restrained or isolated unless for your safety or the safety of others.

• Personal Possessions
  You have the right to wear your own clothing and keep your personal possessions.

• Communication and Social Contacts
  You have the right to have visitors, receive and send mail and have the use of a telephone.

• Religion
  You have the right to worship in the religious faith of your choice.

• Confidentiality of Records
  Records of your treatment and care should be kept confidential.

• Labor
  You should not be forced to perform work for which you are not adequately compensated.

• Disclosure of Services Available
  When you have been admitted, you should be informed of the cost of care and services you will receive.

For More Information Contact:

State of Alabama
Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation
Office of Advocacy Services
RSA Union Building
100 N. Union Street
P.O. Box 301410
Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1410
Telephone: (334)242-3454 (In Montgomery)
or
1-800-367-0955 (Outside of Montgomery)

KNOW YOUR TREATMENT RIGHTS

• Quality Treatment
  You have the right to receive quality treatment and care from trained professionals, regardless of your age, sex, national origin or handicap.

• Individualized Treatment
  Your plan of treatment or habilitation should be designed just for you, based on you individual abilities and needs.

• Participation in Treatment
  You should be allowed to actively participate in your treatment while at the facility.

• Least Restrictive Conditions
  You should receive the least restrictive treatment and be placed in the least restrictive settings necessary and available for your treatment and care.

• Research and Experimentation
  You have the right not to participate in research and experimental projects in the facility.

• Informed Consent
  Your voluntary, written, informed consent should be obtained for treatment, care and services you receive.

For More Information Contact:

State of Alabama
Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation
Office of Advocacy Services
RSA Union Building
100 N. Union Street
P.O. Box 301410
Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1410
Telephone: (334)242-3454 (In Montgomery)
or
1-800-367-0955 (Outside of Montgomery)