The Council of Official Visitors is an independent agency established by the Parliament of Western Australia. The Minister for Health appoints members of the Council, known as Official Visitors.
Official Visitors are members of the general community who have an understanding of mental illness and the problems faced by those who are affected by it.
The Council is primarily there to ensure that:
- individuals are aware of their rights;
- these rights are being observed; and
- to investigate and seek to resolve complaints.
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The Council is also responsible for inspecting authorised hospitals and licensed private psychiatric hostels to ensure that they are in a safe and suitable condition.
WHO CAN THE COUNCIL HELP?
The Council was established to assist 'affected persons' under the Mental Health Act 1996 which includes:
- individuals receiving treatment involuntarily or mentally impaired defendants in an authorised hospital;
- individuals on Community Treatment Orders; and
- individuals with a psychiatric disability who live in a licensed private psychiatric hostel or group home.
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The Council is not able to assist voluntary patients/consumers. If the Council is unable to assist an individual he/she will be referred to an agency that can.
Consumers or their concerned family members or friends may contact the Council to request assistance.
