Persons with mental disabilities are children of God. Our Social Creed calls us to "commit ourselves to the rights of men, women, children, youth, young adults, the aging and those with handicapping conditions." Our United States Constitution and laws call for full and equal rights of persons with mental disabilities.
We now note that the use of abusive treatment methods as "therapy" for persons with mental disabilities still occurs in the United States, that such abusive treatment methods are used on both adults and children, and that programs that rely on such abusive treatment methods are usually funded by federal, state, and/or local tax revenues.
We note that a number of organizations that advocate for persons with mental disabilities have already taken stands against abusive treatment methods.
The United Methodist Church affirms the right of persons with disabilities to freedom to receive loving and caring treatment methods.
The United Methodist Church opposes the use of any form of punishment for children or adults with mental disabilities in any case where such punishment would be considered illegal, abusive, or unconscionable if applied to a child or adult who is not disabled. We particularly condemn as unacceptable the following abusive practices:
*Treatment methods that result in physical injury or tissue damage to the person.
*Verbal abuse or insult, humiliation, or degradation.
*Denial of food, warmth, hygiene, contact with other human beings, or other necessities of life.
*The use of electric shock or noxious substances as a form of punishment.
*The use of any punishment on a child with a mental disability that would be considered child abuse if used on a child with no disabilities.
*The misuse of physical or chemical restraint.
*The threat of any of the above treatments.
We support the use of positive approaches in the treatment of persons with mental disabilities. Positive approaches affirm the Parenthood of God and our family relationship as sisters and brothers. Holistic strategies will support and promote the spiritual needs of those with mental disabilities. These approaches offer the potential of being beneficial to the person. We give our support and assistance in their efforts to live as rich and rewarding lives as possible.
Therefore, we call all local congregations to work with public and private agencies and the service providers involved in treating persons with mental disabilities to stop the abusive treatment methods set forth in this resolution and to initiate positive, holistic treatment methods.
We call all United Methodist institutions and agencies, including hospitals, homes, schools, and universities to stop the abusive treatments set forth in this resolution.
We call upon all federal, state, and local governments to end immediately the expenditure of public revenues on any agency or program that fails to adopt and uphold positive standards of treatment.
We call The United Methodist Church to declare anew that it is open to persons with mental disabilities and their families. We commit ourselves to support such persons and families and accommodate their needs within our community. We commit ourselves to advocate for fair housing and fair access to services for all with mental disabilities.
We call The United Methodist Church to pledge commitment to help persons with mental disabilities and their families find appropriate services, programs, and supports, to protect them from abusive treatment methods, and to promote positive treatment methods.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22904-GM-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference