Word Mental Health Day: Parental Rights and Florida’s Baker Act Law

Oct 3, 2023

Summary

The Florida chapter of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) is hosting a complimentary seminar on October 8th at the Church of Scientology in Orlando to mark World Mental Health Day. The event aims to inform parents about their rights and the mental health law, particularly Florida's Baker Act, which has resulted in a significant increase in involuntary psychiatric examinations of children. The seminar will discuss recent legislation passed to protect children and parental rights, such as the School Safety Bill and the Parents' Bill of Rights. CCHR has been advocating for mental health human rights since 1969 and has published a declaration that includes the right to informed consent, protection against involuntary treatment, and freedom from psychiatric confinement based on beliefs. This year's World Mental Health Day focuses on mental health as a universal human right, as stated by the World Health Organization. Those interested in attending the seminar can register through Eventbrite or contact CCHR for more information.

CCHR is hosting an event on October 8th on the occasion of World Mental Health Day at the Church of Scientology in Orlando.

Clearwater, United States - October 3, 2023 /PressCable/ —

World Mental Health Day 2023, will be marked in Orlando with a complimentary seminar held on October 8th in the auditorium at the Church of Scientology Orlando located at 6670 Lake Ellenor Drive from 11:30am to 1:00pm. Organized by the Florida chapter of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), the event will feature speakers knowledgeable in the area of parental rights and the mental health law, called the Baker Act in Florida.

In the years 2020-2021 approximately 38 thousand children were taken into custody and transported to a psychiatric facility for an involuntarily examination, some of them as young as 5 years old. This is an increase of 77% in the last decade. [1]

During the 2021 legislative session lawmakers in Florida passed two bills with the intent of increasing the protection of children and parental rights - The School Safety Bill and the Parents’ Bill of Rights.

Schools and organizations such as police departments and other governmental institutions have been implementing the changes brought about by these new laws across the state. Every parent should know more about these laws and how they protect children and parental rights.

The right of a parent to direct the upbringing, education, health care and mental health of a minor child is fundamental, which according to a publication from Cornell Law School, means rights that are specifically identified in the Constitution as those recognized by the Supreme Court to require a high degree of protection from government encroachment. [2]

This year’s World Mental Health Day globally focuses on mental health as a “universal human right”. As noted by the World Health Organization, “Mental health is a basic human right for all people. Everyone, whoever and wherever they are, has a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health. This includes the right to be protected from mental health risks, the right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good quality care, and the right to liberty, independence and inclusion in the community.” [3]

Fighting for mental health human rights since 1969, CCHR has long championed the cause of mental health human rights and published a declaration of such rights. The CCHR Mental Health Declaration of Human Rights includes:

A. The right to full informed consent.

B. No person shall be given psychiatric or psychological treatment against his or her will.

C. No person, man, woman or child, may be denied his or her personal liberty by reason of mental illness, so-called, without a fair jury trial by laymen and with proper legal representation.

D. No person shall be admitted to or held in a psychiatric institution, hospital or facility because of their political, religious or cultural beliefs and practices.

To learn more about the CCHR Mental Health Declaration of Human Rights CLICK HERE or to reserve a seat at this free event please call 727-442-8820 or CLICK TO REGISTER.

About CCHR: Initially established by the Church of Scientology and renowned psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Szasz in 1969, CCHR’s mission is to eradicate abuses committed under the guise of mental health and enact patient and consumer protections. L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, first brought psychiatric imprisonment to wide public notice: “Thousands and thousands are seized without process of law, every week, over the ‘free world’ tortured, castrated, killed. All in the name of ‘mental health,’” he wrote in March 1969.

SOURCES:

[1] wptv.com/news/local-news/investigations/baker-act-exams-among-florida-children-reach-historic-new-high

[2] law.cornell.edu/wex/fundamental_right

[3] World Mental Health Day 2023 - Mental health is a universal human right who.int/news-room/events/detail/2023/10/10/default-calendar/world-mental-health-day-2023---mental-health-is-a-universal-human-right

Contact Info:
Name: Diane Stein
Email: Send Email
Organization: Citizens Commission on Human Rights of Florida
Address: 109 North Fort Harrison Avenue, Clearwater, Florida 33755, United States
Phone: +1-727-442-8820
Website: http://www.cchrflorida.org/

Source: PressCable

Release ID: 89109235

In case of identifying any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies within the content shared in this press release that necessitate action or if you require assistance with a press release takedown, we strongly urge you to notify us promptly by contacting [email protected]. Our expert team is committed to addressing your concerns within 8 hours by taking necessary actions diligently to rectify any identified issues or supporting you with the removal process. Delivering accurate and reliable information remains our top priority.

More News

Heating Costs Will Rise 7% on Average This Winter
Nov 11, 2026
Heating Costs Will Rise 7% on Average This Winter

People who use heating oil will see increases of around 70 percent because the war in Iran has greatly reduced supply of that fuel.

Trump Officials Clashed Over Megaspeed, Firm at Heart of Nvidia Affair
Nov 11, 2026
Trump Officials Clashed Over Megaspeed, Firm at Heart of Nvidia Affair

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confronted Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick last week about why the administration had not put restrictions on advanced chip sales to Megaspeed.

Workers across Spain stage first general strike in 14 years
Nov 11, 2026
Workers across Spain stage first general strike in 14 years

People across Spain are striking, primarily over housing costs.

Hospitals Brace for Medicaid Work Rules and Deep Funding Cuts
Nov 11, 2026
Hospitals Brace for Medicaid Work Rules and Deep Funding Cuts

Health systems are racing to guide millions of patients through new eligibility hoops, slated to go into effect Jan. 1.

Protesters gather in Spain for first general strike in 14 years
Nov 11, 2026
Protesters gather in Spain for first general strike in 14 years

Thousands are protesting across Spain over housing and the high cost of living.

Nvidia Scandal Puts Lori Huang, Jensen Huang’s Wife, In the Spotlight
Nov 11, 2026
Nvidia Scandal Puts Lori Huang, Jensen Huang’s Wife, In the Spotlight

Lori Huang, who has been married to the Nvidia chief executive for more than 40 years, stands out among tech titan spouses for how private she has been.

The United States Is Skipping COP31 in Turkey
Nov 11, 2026
The United States Is Skipping COP31 in Turkey

President Trump refused to send an American delegation to the United Nations climate summit in Turkey.

How GLP-1 Drugs and a Revamp Revived Ro’s Business
Nov 11, 2026
How GLP-1 Drugs and a Revamp Revived Ro’s Business

The telehealth company said that its annualized revenue had grown nearly tenfold since it revamped its business and embraced weight-loss treatments.

$150 for a Thanksgiving Pie? A Humble Dessert Staple Gets Pricey.
Nov 11, 2026
$150 for a Thanksgiving Pie? A Humble Dessert Staple Gets Pricey.

This season, bakers are charging three figures for luxury versions that combine elaborate prep and premium ingredients. Not everyone is biting.

Anthropic’s I.P.O. and the Clubby Business of A.I.
Nov 11, 2026
Anthropic’s I.P.O. and the Clubby Business of A.I.

Some of the biggest investors in the artificial intelligence giant’s upcoming listing are also some of its most important business partners.

The Fed Has to Raise Rates. How Fast to Go Has Officials Divided.
Nov 11, 2026
The Fed Has to Raise Rates. How Fast to Go Has Officials Divided.

The Federal Reserve’s gradual approach to raising rates is being tested by intensifying price pressures.

What are cold weather payments and who can get them?
Nov 11, 2026
What are cold weather payments and who can get them?

Some people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland can get help with heating costs during cold spells.

YOUR NEWS, OUR NETWORK.

Do you have Great News you want to tell the world?

Be it updates about your business or your community, you can make sure that it’s heard by submitting your story to our network reaching hundreds of news sites across 6 verticals.

Manage The Numbers

Manage The Numbers is the world’s fastest-growing finance news website, featuring the latest money and market news, along with in-depth analysis so you can make the best decision.

Newsletter