Resources & Education
We provide practical help when it’s needed most.
We have a range of helpful resources so you can learn more about us, and find out about the services and support we provide.
Browse resources from the below categories:
Ruah Legal Services & MHLC
Involuntary Treatment Orders
Criminal Law Proceedings
Guardianship & Administration Orders
Care & Protection Proceedings
Who we are and what we do
Diversity and Inclusion
Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan
General Information
Learn more about the legal advice and representation and non-legal support we provide at Ruah Legal Services.
What are Involuntary Treatment Orders?
What are Mental Health Tribunal Hearings?
Treatment Options for Mental Illness
There are a number of treatments available in WA for patients with mental illness. This brochure provides an overview of the psychiatric treatments provided by recognised mental health services in WA.
Involuntary Inpatient Treatment Orders
An involuntary patient is a person who is being treated without their agreement, known as ‘consent’. This type of order can only be made if a psychiatrist is concerned about their personal safety or their risk to others.
Community Treatment Orders
An involuntary patient may be placed on a Community Treatment Order to live in the community and receive treatment.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
This brochure is designed to provide a basic understanding of the legal rules around the use of ECT in Western Australia.
Work and Development Permit Scheme
The Work and Development Permit (WDP) Scheme helps people experiencing hardship to pay their court fines through means other than financial.
Fitness to stand trial
If a person is accused of a crime, they need to have the mental capacity to understand and take part in the court process.
A Custody Order can be made where a person accused of a crime is found Not Guilty on account of mental impairment (either at Trial or Special Proceeding) or the person is not fit to stand trial and is found to have committed the offence charged (or a statutory alternative).
Criminal Law (Mental Impairment) Act (CLMI)
On 1 September, the law affecting people with mental illness appearing in the criminal justice system in Western Australia will change with the introduction of the new Criminal Law (Mental Impairment) Act 2023 (WA). Got questions about what the changes to Custody Orders are and how they might impact you? We are pleased to share the ‘Changes to Custody Orders’ Fact Sheet, collaboratively prepared by Ruah Legal Services, Legal Aid WA and Aboriginal Legal Service WA.
Youth Justice Project
The Youth Justice Project is dedicated to supporting young people involved in the criminal justice system. Our team works collaboratively with each young person to ensure they understand their rights, the criminal law process, and the steps needed to navigate their case.
We offer a unique, integrated service where a lawyer and a key worker work together to provide both expert legal advice and practical support. Our lawyer provides guidance through criminal proceedings, ensuring you understand the charges, your legal options, and how to prepare for court. Meanwhile, our key worker helps you set personal goals, connect with support services, and address challenges such as housing, education, and mental health.
Ruah Legals Youth Justice Project aims to guide you through the legal system with confidence, while also helping you build the foundation for a better tomorrow.
Guardianship and Administration
Guardianship and Administration Orders – What are they?
How to Change a Guardianship or Administration Order
What does a Guardianship or Administration Order Hearing look like in the State Administrative Tribunal?
Guardianship Orders
A Guardianship Order can be put in place to help a person make important personal life decisions when they cannot do so themselves, usually because they have a mental illness or disability. Ruah Legal Services and MHLC can help you with legal advice and representation if you are the subject of a Guardianship Order application or your Guardianship Order is being reviewed by the State Administrative Tribunal.
Administration Orders
An Administration Order can be put in place to help a person manage their financial affairs when they cannot do so themselves, because they have a mental illness or disability. The MHLC can help you with legal advice and representation if you are the subject of an Administration Order application or your Administration Order is being reviewed by the State Administrative Tribunal.
Care and Protection Service
Learn more about this innovative service that brings together experienced lawyers and dedicated community Key Workers to provide wrap-around legal and non-legal social support to families facing child protection proceedings.