Options for Supported Decision-Making to Enhance the Recovery of People Experiencing Severe Mental Health Problems

People experiencing severe mental health problems may experience a loss of autonomy in decision-making under laws that enable others to make decisions for them or because of pre-conceived notions about their decision-making abilities. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD, 2008), which Australia has ratified, is driving changes to ensure the integration of a human rights perspective into mental health and community services. Mental health laws, policies and practice are moving towards a stronger focus on personal recovery and human rights. The personal recovery model values autonomy and the right of people experiencing severe mental health problems to have choice and control over important decisions. Ensuring people's views and preferences in decision-making are respected on an equal basis with others is a cornerstone of these developments. Supported decision-making means that those assisted retain legal authority to make decisions. It involves individuals receiving support from others to consider alternatives and make specific decisions. This report summarises the findings of an Australian Research Council Linkage project which sought to document the experiences, views and preferences of people experiencing severe mental health problems, family members and other informal supporters, and mental health practitioners about supported decision-making, treatment and recovery in Australia. The research team interviewed 90 people across Victoria. This report documents the analysis of those experiences and the project's findings. It also includes an international comparative analysis of supported decision-making laws, policies and programs. The project findings have informed recommendations for improvements to mental health service delivery.