Leave of Absence rights

What is a Leave of Absence?

An Inpatient Treatment Order is a legal way of providing treatment to a person with a mental illness when they are unable to agree to treatment and may not be safe.

A Leave of Absence is an approved period of time away from the treatment centre, which may be subject to conditions.

What does it mean if I am on a Leave of Absence?

If you are on an Inpatient Treatment Order, you will be required to stay in a treatment centre and receive treatment for your mental illness.

Treatment may include:

  • talk therapy
  • medication
  • other interventions. 

These treatments will be provided by trained health professionals such as:

  • doctors
  • nurses
  • occupational therapists
  • social workers
  • psychologists.

These professionals will work with you to help you to get better.

The Director of the treatment centre can grant you a Leave of Absence, enabling you to leave the treatment centre for a specific period of time.

If you have any questions about your Leave of Absence, please ask a staff member.

The Director of the treatment centre can cancel your Leave of Absence. Staff will let you know as soon as practicable and will assist you to return to the treatment centre if you are elsewhere.

Statement of Rights brochure

You have rights during Leave of Absence and you can read about these in the following brochure, which is available in English along with fifteen other community languages.