Paraná bans forced removal to therapeutic communities

The Paraná banned the forced removal of people for entry into therapeutic communities. The determination is contained in Decree No. 15.530, published in the Official State Gazette of October 27, 2026, which establishes rules for the care of people with needs arising from the use of alcohol and other drugs. The provisions have state coverage, including Ponta Grossa and Campos Gerais.

The text establishes a matrix of integrated care between health, social assistance and public security. In therapeutic communities, the reception must be exclusively voluntary, with formalized written consent and the possibility of interruption at any time.

The decree prohibits these institutions from carrying out, hiring, facilitating or encouraging forced removal services or coercive conduct for the admission of residents. The non-compliance may result in civil, criminal and administrative liability, in accordance with the applicable legislation.

Restrictions on freedom and exposure in networks

The rules also prohibit physical restraint, isolation and restrictions on the freedom of the hosts. The accommodations must have hygiene conditions and doors with simple locking, without locks, keys or confinement environments that configure private prison. Another point is the protection of privacy: it is prohibited to disclose “before and after” images and personal information of residents on social networks.

Respect for religious diversity also expressly appears in the decree. Spiritual activities should be freely adherent, without punishment or discrimination against anyone who has another belief or choice not to participate.

Mandatory health assessment

Entry into a therapeutic community depends on prior evaluation by a multiprofessional team of the public or private health network. The nomination must be part of the Singular Care Plan of the host person.

The reception of children and adolescents is prohibited. People with serious impairments who require ongoing or emergency medical care should be referred to the health care network.

Institutions need to keep up-to-date operating documentation, including sanitary permits, fire department licenses and operating permits. The decree also bans the administration and dispensing of psychotropic drugs by therapeutic communities.

Hospitalization has different rules

The text differentiates the reception in a therapeutic community from the hospitalization in a psychiatric hospital. In the communities, any form of internment is expressly prohibited. Hospitalization is defined as an exceptional measure, indicated when the extra-hospital resources are insufficient, through medical report and compliance with legal procedures.

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The decree entered into force on the date of publication and provides for the publication of complementary resolutions by the state secretariats involved in up to 60 days, with operational manuals, forms and monitoring instruments.