Brazilian Judiciary and Health Experts Unite to Strengthen Antimanicomial Policy

On November 11-12, 2026, Fiocruz Brasília hosted the event "Cuidado em Liberdade, Direitos Humanos e Justiça Desinstitucionalização," which focused on consolidating Brazil's Antimanicomial Policy aimed at providing mental health care with freedom and gradually closing judicial asylums. Supported by the National Justice Council (CNJ), this gathering brought together judges, public managers, and mental health professionals, including members of the State Interinstitutional Committees for Monitoring the Antimanicomial Policy (CEIMPAs).

Luís Lanfredi, Coordinator of CNJ’s Department of Monitoring and Supervision of the Prison System, emphasized that the policy’s effectiveness depends on coordinated actions among the judiciary, health services, and social assistance. He highlighted the necessity of continuous care for individuals with mental disorders who are in conflict with the law.

Working groups at the event proposed several improvements compiled into the National Memorial in Defense of SUS, Mental Health, and the Antimanicomial Policy of the Judiciary. This document was presented to the National Council for the Implementation of the Antimanicomial Policy (Conimpa) and included recommendations to enhance access to public services, housing, employment, income, and community-based support. These are crucial to ensuring rights and autonomy for policy beneficiaries.

Judge Solange Borba Reimberg underscored the need for collaborative decision-making to prevent rollbacks of constitutionally guaranteed rights. The program also featured a performance by Grupo Maluco Voador, connected to CAPS II in Paranoá, illustrating the rehabilitative power of art.

Established by CNJ Resolution No. 487/2023 under the Pena Justa plan, the Antimanicomial Policy seeks to reorganize care for mentally disordered individuals in judicial contexts by emphasizing freedom of care and the progressive dismantling of judicial asylums. The policy represents an important effort to address structural violations within Brazil’s penal and mental health systems.