Promoting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Queensland Forensic Disability Bill 2011 was introduced into Queensland Parliament on 7 April 2011 to provide a framework to support Queensland’s Forensic Disability Service.
This service is a purpose built therapeutic environment for people with an intellectual or cognitive disability (and no mental illness) who are on a court appointed forensic order.
What is a forensic order?
A forensic order gives authority for a person to be detained in an authorised mental health service or, in some cases a high security unit, for treatment and care. The Mental Health Review Tribunal is the body responsible for independent review of all forensic patients (when a forensic order is made the person is described as a forensic patient).
What is the purpose of the Bill?
The Forensic Disability Act 2011 proposes to provide for the involuntary detention, ongoing care and support, and protection of forensic disability clients while at the same time:
- safeguarding their rights and freedoms;
- balancing their rights and freedoms with the rights and freedoms of other people;
- promoting their individual development and enhancing their opportunities for quality of life; and
- maximising their opportunities for reintegration into the community.
The Bill would support the development of an improved service framework to ensure people with an intellectual or cognitive disability, and no mental illness, but who are on a forensic order to have access to disability support and other services.
The Bill also promotes better connections between the Department of Communities, Queensland Health and the broader disability service system.
For further information contact one of our solicitors on 07 5630 6888.
