Forensic mental health program
The Forensic Mental Health in Community Health Program provides free specialised support to clients in the justice system who are currently on a Community Corrections Order (CCO) or parole and have a mental health condition that require assessment and treatment as part of their order.
The service area spans across Ballarat and Horsham Community Correctional Services.
Eligibility for referral to The Forensic Mental Health Program
- Are over 18 years of age.
- Are on a Community Corrections Order (CCO) or Parole with a condition for mental health assessment and treatment.
- Have a mental illness or disorder of moderate severity.
- Are not currently engaged with another mental health service (AMHS or Private).
- Are assessed as medium to high risk of re-offending.
- Reside within the Grampians Geographical area including: West Wimmera, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack, Horsham, Northern Grampians, Ararat, the Pyrenees, Ballarat, Hepburn, Moorabool, and Golden Plains shires.
Referrals to our program are made exclusively through corrections staff. However, if a family member or another professional believes our team could benefit a client, they are welcome to reach out to our team at Ballarat Community Health (BCH) or encourage the client to discuss referral options with their corrections worker.
Our multidisciplinary team, using a client-centred approach, ensures that each client receives holistic care with all their needs identified. We work collaboratively with other partner agencies to ensure that each client’s individual needs are addressed by the appropriate service providers.
This program is a consortium initiative with Grampians Community Health and serves the entire Grampians region. This service operates from the Ballarat Community Health Victoria Street office.
All enquiries can be sent to [email protected]
The Forensic Mental Health Program offers comprehensive clinical support to individuals in the justice system who are currently on a Community Corrections Order (CCO) or parole and require mental health assessment and treatment as stipulated by their order. Our program provides a wide range of clinical services tailored to the needs of individuals involved in the justice system.
We begin by conducting thorough mental health assessments to understand each client’s unique circumstances and challenges. This process includes evaluating both their current mental health status and their history, to ensure we provide targeted and effective care. Once assessed, clients may receive Mental Health Treatment if they’re willing to engage.
We offer both short-term and long-term treatment options, focusing on symptom management, emotional regulation, and recovery in individual therapy sessions to assist clients in understanding and addressing the cognitive and emotional challenges associated with their mental health conditions. This may involve therapies aimed at improving coping strategies, self-esteem, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving abilities such as CBT, DBT and Motivational Interviewing.
Our team works closely with the client to identify goals and develop individualised care plans. We help them navigate the complexities of their legal obligations while also addressing their mental health needs, ensuring they are supported both clinically and practically.
We incorporate a comprehensive approach to assessing static and dynamic risk factors, with a focus on understanding the intersection between mental health conditions and recidivism. This helps us provide strategies to reduce the likelihood of reoffending and improve overall outcomes.
Our multidisciplinary team ensures that clients receive holistic care and we collaborate with other service providers to meet any additional needs, such as housing support, substance abuse treatment, or vocational assistance.
Our service is designed to meet the mental health needs of clients while also addressing the underlying factors that contribute to their involvement in the justice system.
This program is offered at no cost to clients and operates out of the Ballarat Community Health Victoria Street office. The program covers the entire Grampians region, including Horsham, Ararat, and surrounding areas, and is provided in collaboration with Grampians Community Health and other local service providers.
