The Arc of Western Wayne County: Serving people with disabilities

The Take Charge Helpline

Your rights regarding mail, phone, miscellaneous materials, visitors and religion

The Mental Health Code guarantees that people receiving inpatient or residential services will be assured that some basic rights are protected.  These rights may be limited due to the nature of your treatment.  If such limitations are imposed, they must be agreed to in your plan of service by you or your legal representative.  General restrictions that apply to everyone, such as visiting hours, property you may have, or times the telephone may be used, may be established by a residence or unit.  These restrictions must be posted in a place where they can be easily seen.

You have the right to receive and send mail without anyone else opening or reading it.  If you have no income and if you ask for them, you will be given writing materials and a reasonable number of stamps.

You have the right to talk on the phone.  If you have no income, a reasonable amount of funds will be provided so that you can use the telephone.

You have the right to watch TV, buy and read newspapers, magazines, and books of your own choice, unless limited by your plan of service or as generally restricted by program rules.

You have the right to see visitors in private.  To see your own doctor, if you have one, or visit with your minister, priest, rabbi or spiritual counselor at reasonable times.  You also have the right to talk with your attorney, a court or others about legal matters without any limitations and at any time.

You have the right to practice your religion or faith.  You cannot be forced to go to a religious event if you do not want to, nor can you be required to listen to or watch religious programs on radio or television.

If you have questions about these rights , contact the Office of Recipient Rights at the Detroit Wayne County Community Mental Health Agency at 313-833-2500 or The Arc of Western Wayne County at 734-729-9100.

Phone code: 1432