The Forensic Consultation and Intervention Service (FoCIS) is a specialist mental health service. We provide expert assessment, knowledge and skills to general mental health services about the relationship between mental illness and the risk of criminal offending.
We aim to reduce the risk of serious harm presented by, and to, people with mental illness, and the communities and services supporting them.
About this service
We consult and liaise with general mental health services regarding people with mental health concerns who may be at risk of engaging in serious criminal offending.
We are a multidisciplinary team of clinicians with specialist training in forensic mental health.
We provide:
- specialist risk assessment for specific problem behaviours such as violence, sexual offending, fire-setting, stalking and fixation
- ongoing consultation and liaison to mental health services providing care to identified high-risk individuals, and
- specialist interventions targeting specific problem behaviours.
Who we care for
We care for people of all ages with a mental illness or disorder who are already engaged with other mental health services within Canberra Health Services.
How to access this service
Access to our service requires a referral from another mental health service within Canberra Health Services. We have strict referral criteria so not all referrals are accepted.
What to expect
Once a referral is accepted, our clinicians will contact your treating team and arrange to meet with you for an assessment.
You will have the opportunity to speak about the issues of concern and to ask questions.
Once an assessment has been completed, a report is provided to your treating team. This will provide advice to your team on the best possible care to prevent harm to you or others.
A copy of this report will be placed on your medical record.
In some circumstances, reports we prepare may be provided to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) when requested. You will be informed if this is the case.
What to bring to your appointment
- You are welcome to bring any previous assessments or reports related to your mental health or any court documents if you think it is relevant to your assessment.
- Please do not bring large bags or backpacks – they are not allowed.
Where we’re located
We operate across the ACT so in the event you are asked to attend an assessment, this will usually be at your local community mental health team, city health centre, or we will see you in hospital if you are there as an inpatient.
