Forensic Services | Southern | Te Whatu Ora

Prison Liaison Service

Programme Areas

Mental health

Programme Type

Forensic

Regions

Waitaki, Central Lakes, Southland, Dunedin - South Otago

Age Groups

Adult / Pakeke

Referral Types

DHB clinical services, Corrections

Referral Process

The Prison Liaison Service is for those inmates whose behaviour or mental health is causing concern.

Referrals can be received from prison medical staff or Medical Officer, corrections staff, lawyers, Community Probation Services and other Mental Health Services.

Inmates will be seen within 24 hours of referral or the next working day.

Description

The service provides:

• Access to Forensic Psychiatrist on weekly basis.
• Mental Health Assessment and Risk Management.
• Access, if appropriate, to a Forensic Social Worker for support and information gathering for family/whānau.
• Arrange court ordered Psychiatric Assessments.
• Treatment and follow‐up in conjunction with the Forensic Psychiatrist.
• Support and education to clients and family/whānau.
• Cultural input/consultation
• Provide liaison, support and education for prisoners and staff within the Department of Corrections.
• Liaise with prison medical staff and letter sent to Medical Officer after each outpatient appointment with the Forensic Psychiatrist. 
• Liaison with prison medical staff and Medical Officer.
• Liaison with other agencies if input for inmate useful i.e. Child and Family Therapy Services, Alcohol and other Drug Services, Psychological Counselling. 
• Liaison with the Court Liaison Service for remand inmates who require our support.
• Relevant documentation in prison medication notes.

• Community Forensic Mental Health Team (Southland) Brochure (PDF, 489.7 KB)
  

  This team covers the Southland region

• Community Forensic Mental Health Team (Otago) Brochure (PDF, 462.6 KB)
  

  This team covers Central Lakes, Dunedin - South Otago and Waitaki regions

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