438 Main Street
Suite 400 Buffalo, NY 14202-3211
www.nycourts.gov/courts/ad4/MHLS/index.shtm
Buffalo Area Office
716-845-3650
Administrative Office
585-530-3050
Primary Services
Adult Guardianship Assistance, Individual Advocacy, Mental Health Facility Complaints, Patient Rights Assistance
Description
Offers legal representation, advice, and assistance to persons residing in facilities for the mentally disabled concerning retention, release, care, and treatment. The facilities may be state, city, voluntary, or private, and may be community based or institutional.
Responsibilities:
- Investigates complaints of clients, their relatives, and friends concerning care and treatment.
- Has complete access to facility records of the mentally disabled in New York State; all client information is kept confidential.
- Accepts requests for help or information from clients, their family, or friends who contact MHLS by telephone, letter, or personal visits.
- Represents the mentally disabled in civil commitment proceedings and other cases. Offers various alternatives and solutions to advocate a client's wishes and interests. May file lawsuits on behalf of clients.
- Represents individuals subject to court ordered Assisted Outpatient Treatment.
- Represents individuals in need of a guardian, when authorized by a court, regardless of the individual's residence.
- Refers a person to the appropriate agency if a request is outside the jurisdiction of the MHLS.
Responsibilities:
- Investigates complaints of clients, their relatives, and friends concerning care and treatment.
- Has complete access to facility records of the mentally disabled in New York State; all client information is kept confidential.
- Accepts requests for help or information from clients, their family, or friends who contact MHLS by telephone, letter, or personal visits.
- Represents the mentally disabled in civil commitment proceedings and other cases. Offers various alternatives and solutions to advocate a client's wishes and interests. May file lawsuits on behalf of clients.
- Represents individuals subject to court ordered Assisted Outpatient Treatment.
- Represents individuals in need of a guardian, when authorized by a court, regardless of the individual's residence.
- Refers a person to the appropriate agency if a request is outside the jurisdiction of the MHLS.
Hours
Call for information.
Eligibility
Fourth Judicial Department Service Area: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, & Yates Counties.
Intake Process
Call, write letter, or walk in.
Program Fees
Free.
Date of Official Change
Aug 19, 2019
Contacts
Keith M. Fehrer (Primary)
Principal Attorney in Charge - Buffalo Area
716-845-3650
Sarah M. Fallon
Director
585-530-3050