Program to discuss mental health proceedings

Submitted by NAMI Kane County North

On Saturday, April 14, NAMI Kane County North will sponsor a presentation by Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission Attorney Inez Toledo at 9 a.m.

The event will be held in the third-floor meeting room of the Ecker Center for Mental Health, 1845 Grandstand Place, Elgin. It is free and open to the public.

Toledo is an attorney who has worked for over 12 years with Legal Advocacy Service, a division of the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, where she concentrates in mental health and related laws. She provides legal counsel on behalf of recipients in involuntary admission and involuntary treatment trial court hearings in Cook County and on appeals throughout the state. Toledo is an advocate for mentally ill people and works to uphold their rights. She has participated in innovative court programs in Cook County where agreements are reached between mentally ill people and their family members meant to ensure medication compliance. She also defends the rights of the mentally ill people who are her clients in involuntary admission and treatment hearings.

Toledo’s presentation will include topics such as the role of the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission in safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities, an overview of civil commitment and forced treatment petitions, outpatient care and custody orders, advance directives for persons with mental health concerns and the role of guardians and private attorneys in mental health proceedings. The presentation will last approximately one hour and light refreshments will be served. Advance registration is appreciated but not required. For more information or to register, call Laurie Huske at (847) 347-5540 or Cathy Reif at (630) 365-6689.