In the zealous pursuit of patients’ rights over the last four decades, the rights of one very important group were neglected — families. While a patient’s right to refuse treatment has strengthened, caregivers often can’t even get news about their loved one’s condition. This workshop will explore the many procedural and political barriers families face in their attempts to secure care for a loved one who lacks insight. Strategies will be discussed for destigmatizing and strengthening the family advocacy movement.

• Robert Bruce, Jr., family member, NAMI Maine, Caratunk, ME
• Jeffrey Geller, M.D., director, Public Sector Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School,Worcester, MA
• Liz Thomson, detective, Albuquerque Police Department Crisis Intervention Team, Albuquerque, NM
• Moderator: Mary Zdanowicz, Esq., executive director, Treatment Advocacy Center, Arlington, VA