Queensland Adult Forensic Mental Health Services

Forensic mental health services

We provide specialist assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and support for adults with mental illness. This includes people who are involved in, or at risk of becoming involved in, the criminal justice system.

Our teams work across hospitals, watch-houses, courts, correctional centres and community settings. We provide person centred, trauma informed and culturally safe care that supports recovery, improves wellbeing and promotes community safety.

We deliver services across hospital and health services in partnership with patients, families, carers, government agencies, community organisations and universities.

Our work is guided by evidence informed practice, respect for human rights and legislation. This includes the Mental Health Act 2016, Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 and Human Rights Act 2019.

We also support the development of forensic mental health services across Queensland through clinical leadership, education, research and innovation.

Our services

We provide different levels of specialist care based on individual needs and circumstances.

Secure inpatient services

High Security Inpatient Service

We provide specialist assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for adults across Queensland who need the highest level of secure mental health care.

Our teams work with patients to develop individual treatment and recovery plans. These plans support recovery and progression to less restrictive settings when clinically appropriate.

The High Security Inpatient Service (HSIS) is located at The Park Centre for Mental Health.

Extended Forensic Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit (EFTRU)

We provide specialist rehabilitation for people transitioning from the High Security Inpatient Service who need more support before returning to the community.

We focus on building independence, supporting recovery and preparing people for a safe transition to community living.

Our teams work with patients, families, carers, community mental health services, the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) and other support providers to maintain continuity of care.

Prison mental health services (PMHS)

We provide specialist mental health assessment, treatment and care in correctional centres across Queensland.

The services support access to mental health care that meets the same standards as care available in the wider community.

We work with correctional services, community and inpatient mental health teams, patients, families, carers and other support providers to coordinate care and support transition back into the community.

Community forensic outreach services (CFOS)

We provide specialist forensic mental health consultation and advice to mental health, alcohol and other drug services across Queensland.

We support local treating teams caring for people with complex forensic mental health needs in community and inpatient settings.

We also provide specialist risk assessment and management advice, guided by Queensland Health's Assessing and Responding to Violence Framework and Chief Psychiatrist policy.

Our therapy services provide evidence based interventions for people with complex or higher risk behaviours, including violence, stalking, sexually harmful behaviour and fire-setting.

Court liaison services (CLS)

We support people experiencing mental illness in police watch-houses and court settings. We identify and assess mental health needs and link people with appropriate treatment and support.

One of our key roles is to provide advice to the Magistrates Court. This advice is provided with relevant consent and helps the courts decide whether a person was, or appears to have been, of unsound mind at the time of an alleged offence. They also help the courts decide whether a person is unfit for trial.

Program areas

Our programs help support mental health treatment and care across Queensland.

Mental health and policing programs

Our programs strengthen collaboration between Queensland Health and the Queensland Police Service.

They support early intervention, coordinated responses to mental health crises and improved community safety.

Queensland Fixated Threat Assessment Centre (QFTAC)

We assess people when their behaviour or communications may present a significant risk to public office holders and dignitaries.

We bring together Queensland Health mental health alcohol and other drug services and the Queensland Police Service to identify risks early and coordinate interventions to reduce the likelihood of harm.

Mental Health Liaison Service (QPS)

Queensland Health mental health clinicians work in the Brisbane Queensland Police Communications Centre to provide specialist advice during mental health related emergency calls.

They help police to link with appropriate mental health services and support safe, coordinated responses.

Mental health support to police negotiators

Queensland Health mental health clinicians are available to provide specialist advice to Queensland Police Service negotiators during crisis incidents where required. This advice supports access to mental health services where necessary, and safe and effective crisis responses across Queensland.

Indigenous Mental Health Intervention Program (IMHIP)

This program delivers culturally responsive mental health and social and emotional wellbeing services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in custody.

The program operates in selected correctional centres in South East Queensland.

We work with patients, communities and correctional services to support culturally safe care and improve health outcomes.

Statewide leadership and development

Queensland Adult Forensic Mental Health Services Statewide Leadership

Our team provides strategic leadership, coordination and specialist clinical expertise across Queensland.

We work with hospital and health services, government agencies and non-government organisations to support consistent service delivery, workforce development, quality improvement and forensic mental health practice.

Research and education

Research and education are central to improving forensic mental health care and strengthening the specialist workforce.

We work with universities, research organisations and health services to advance evidence informed practice. This work helps improve outcomes for people with mental illness who are involved in, or at risk of involvement in, the criminal justice system.

Our research also contributes to the development of forensic mental health services in Queensland and across Australia.

Mental health support and information

Families and carers play an important role in supporting recovery and improving mental health services. Find information about mental health care, treatment and support available in Queensland.

• Queensland Health mental health, alcohol and other drugs
  Learn about mental health, treatment options and your rights and how to get support.
• Rise
  Queensland’s peak body for people with lived and living experience of mental health challenges.
• Queensland Health Victim Support Service (QHVSS)
  Specialised counselling, support and information for victims of crime when the person charged has been assessed as having a mental illness or intellectual disability.
• ARAFMI Queensland
  Support for families and other mental health carers.