Role of Indian legislation in rehabilitation of homeless mentally ill females: A series of three cases

Abstract

Rehabilitation services for homeless persons with mental illness (MI), especially females, are rudimentary in India. The Mental Healthcare Act, (MHCA) 2017 of India advocates community-based living for persons with MI where the role of the police is more defined. The aim is to highlight the role of the police helping in the treatment and rehabilitation of homeless females with MI through demonstration of a series of three cases. Three cases have been described in which the patients with MI were found by the police on the street. They were brought to the hospital and engaged in treatment network by the police, who then also facilitated their rehabilitation back in the community. The three cases are an illustration of Section 100 of MHCA 2017, which defines the specific role of the police. The police was guided by the said section to work in collaboration with the treating team for the overall well-being of the patients. Adequate utilization of available resources, along with the legislation can help in the upgradation of the neglected homeless individuals with MI.