If approved by States Members, the Mental Health (Jersey) Law and the Capacity and Self-Determination (Jersey) Law are expected to come into effect by spring 2018.
The new Mental Health Law will update legislation from 1969, which is no longer considered to be in line with modern standards of diagnosis and treatment, and, if approved, it would provide additional safeguards for those with mental disorders.
It also aims to extend the power of Jersey’s courts to enable them to move Islanders out of the criminal system so that they can receive medical treatment for mental health issues.
Health Minister Andrew Green said that he welcomed the new laws, which were ‘much needed’ and could affect all Islanders.
