MAJOR MENTAL HEALTH REFORM SET TO LAUNCH

28 February, 2008

The centrepiece of the State Government’s major reforms involving offenders with a mental illness and their victims will commence next month, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

Mr Robertson told State Parliament the statewide Victim Support Service would begin helping victims of crime committed by people with a mental illness as part of a better, more balanced mental health system.

“The Bligh Government has committed $53 million over four years to implement a range of recommendations by former CMC Chairman Brendan Butler in his 2006 review of the Mental Health Act,” Mr Robertson said.

“We’re spending $4.6 million to establish and run the service which will be based in Brisbane and Townsville.

“It will provide information and assistance to victims and their families where an offender has been diagnosed with a mental illness and has been diverted to the forensic mental health system instead of the criminal justice system.

“The service will be confidential and staffed by experienced health professionals to build on the existing Victim Support Coordinator’s achievements.

“It will not replace, but complement existing services operated under different agencies for other victims of crime.”

Mr Robertson said the Victim Support Service would provide assistance to the direct victims of an offence, the parents or guardians of a young victim, family members of a victim, and other people who have been directly harmed by the offence.

The Victim Support Service will help victims by:

• providing information and support in understanding the forensic mental health system and processes;

• assisting access to entitlements, including applications for Classified Patient and Forensic Patient Information Orders;

• providing information about the patient who offended including whether they have been granted community leave as part of their treatment plans and any conditions imposed on that leave entitlement;

• providing assistance with making submissions to the Mental Health Court and Mental Health Review Tribunal for their consideration when making decisions about the patient;

• court support, counselling and referrals;

• raising awareness and understanding of the needs of victims with staff of mental health and related services;

• collaborating with indigenous health organisations and workers in providing information and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims; and

• promoting coordination of services to victims, advocacy, research and training about the rights of victims.

Mr Robertson said eight staff would be based in Brisbane with an additional two in Townsville.

“Services will be provided throughout Queensland via face-to-face, telephone and video-conference links,” he said.

“Access to the service will be promoted with a free call number <1800 208 005> to ensure that assistance is available to all Queenslanders, regardless of where they live.

“Overall, victims of crime committed by people with a mental illness will now have a reliable, confidential and well-resourced avenue to turn to if they require support, counselling and information about their offender.

“This will greatly benefit their recovery and general well-being.”

The Victim Support Service will be proactive in identifying victims early, keeping a comprehensive register of victims for ongoing management and promoting their access and entitlement to support assistance.

More information on the Victim Support Service can be found on www.health.qld.gov.au/qhvss.

MEDIA: Joshua Cooney 3234 1185