Mental Hygiene Legal Service

The Mental Hygiene Legal Service (MHLS) is a New York State agency that has been advocating for and representing individuals with mental disabilities since its establishment in 1964. As the oldest and most comprehensive legal advocacy program for the mentally disabled in the United States, MHLS provides a wide range of protective legal services and assistance to those under the care or jurisdiction of state-operated or licensed facilities.

Originally functioning as the Mental Health Information Service, MHLS has evolved over the years to become a dedicated legal advocacy program, taking on critical roles in guardianship proceedings and assisted outpatient treatment. In addition, the agency provides representation and advocacy for sex offenders alleged to have mental abnormalities, ensuring their civil confinement or intensive supervision. With a mission to safeguard due process rights, MHLS plays a vital role in protecting the rights and well-being of individuals receiving services for mental disabilities in New York State.

Generated from the website