Citation

Carroll A, Scott R, Green B, Dalton T, Brett A, McVie N. Australas. Psychiatry 2009; 17(1): 34-37.

Affiliation

Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia. Andrew.Carroll@med.monash.edu.au

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1080/10398560802311193

PMID

18720097

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Persons subject to forensic mental health orders imposed by the courts form a small but politically salient group. Their management provides a number of challenges for mental health services and for governments throughout Australia. Although their overall management has been enhanced by recent developments in forensic services, there is a lack of consistent cross-border agreements between states and territories. This paper will discuss how this situation is not conducive to effective risk management and is a denial of patients' legitimate demands for freedom of movement. A proposal for the adoption of appropriate principles to improve the current state of affairs is outlined. CONCLUSION: Legislative reform is required to ensure the safe and ethical management of mentally disordered offenders subject to forensic mental health orders in Australia.

Language: en