CCHR - Watchdog Against Psychiatric Abuse And The Baker Act of Florida

The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), a non-profit mental health watchdog dedicated to the eradication of abuses committed under the guise of mental health, held an event on March 25, 2017 on the abuses of psychiatry via the [Baker Act](http://www.cchrflorida.org/baker-act-rights/) at their center in downtown Clearwater.

The topic is an electric one, as it deals with the involuntary commitment of individuals to psychiatric facilities, many of which have no ability to protect themselves, namely children and the elderly.

But the victims are not just the young and elderly, Ms. Renee Jones, an author and mental health counselor, told the tragic story of a young 24 year old man who was Baker Acted and committed to a psychiatric ward just the morning before, only to have him dead by the end of the day. This should not happen to anyone, particularly a young healthy adult who had their whole life ahead of them, said Ms. Jones.

The keynote speaker for the event, Mrs. Carmen Miller, held the position of Assistant Public Defender in the Thirteenth Circuit for many years in Tampa, and is now in the private sector specializing in cases of those who are involuntarily committed under the Baker Act.

Many parents within the Clearwater, and greater Florida area, are not aware that ones child can be taken right out of school and Baker Acted, without knowledge or consent from the parents, said Mrs. Miller, People should protect their rights, particularly the elderly and children.

Miller really punched home; letting parents know their child is in a psychiatric ward in a hospital is not required under the Baker Act, which is very concerning and is something that must be brought under the law and our children protected.

While one of the original intentions of the Baker Act was to protect the rights of citizens sent for involuntary psychiatric examination, it has become a vehicle of great abuse. The complex language of the Baker Act, which CCHR says is difficult for even some attorneys to understand, opens the door to interpretation and puts every citizen of Florida at risk.

At the close of the event, everyone in attendance was given the opportunity to complete an Advance Mental Health Directive under the guidance of attorney Carmen Miller. This document can help protect the rights of a person who is sent for involuntary examination under the Baker Act. To learn more about the Baker Act or Advance Mental Health Directives, please contact CCHR Florida at 727-442-8820 or visit the website at www.cchrflorida.org.

About Citizens Commission On Human Rights:

Initially established by the Church of Scientology and renowned psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Szasz in 1969, CCHRs mission is to eradicate abuses committed under the guise of mental health and enact patient and consumer protections. It was L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, who brought the terror of psychiatric imprisonment to the notice of the world. In March 1969, he said, Thousands and thousands are seized without process of law, every week, over the free world tortured, castrated, killed. All in the name of mental health. For more information visit, [www.cchrflorida.org](http://www.cchrflorida.org/)

  • Issue by:Diane Stein Citizens Commission on Human Rights of Florida
  • Web:http://www.cchrflorida.org/
  • Street:109 North Fort Harrison Avenue
  • City:Clearwater
  • Country/region:United States
  • Zip:33755
  • Telephone:+1-727-442-8820
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