Psychologist consultation service and referral process for forensic matters 104-02010050

Referral to the Forensic Psychology team for a psychological consultation can be made by a Team Leader, Service Centre Manager, Assistant Director or Director when working with a customer who has behavioural concerns that have resulted in:

• a Managed Service Plan (MSP), or
• as a result of a forensic issue and advice is required on how to move forward with the customer

• Customer has significant forensic history and/or behaviours exist that result in barriers to obtaining medical information or clear indicators of vulnerability (e.g. history of chronic mental health condition), and/or
• Customer is unable to manage usual servicing arrangements as a result of behaviours potentially associated with mental health condition. (e.g. customers on MSPs), and/or
• There exists significant Agency risk (i.e. media or other sensitivities)
• Customer is seeking cancellation of Disability Support Pension (DSP) and a Vulnerability Medical Assessment (VMA) is required under Cancellation of Disability Support Pension (DSP)

Prior to Referral

• Ensure the criteria for referral is met (see above)
• Ensure all relevant customer information has been documented (e.g. behavioural observations, other Agency parties involved)
• Ensure all available medical, psychological or psychiatric reports are uploaded to the customer’s record
• If no historical medical information exists on the customer record, request scan on demand for EMIFE (medical information)
• If assessment for DSP medical eligibility is being sought, arrange for customer to sign form Consent to disclose medical information (SA472)

To make a referral for a consultation, the referrer must complete the online referral template: Forensic Psychology Request.

A psychologist from the Forensic Psychology team will be allocated the case and will contact the referrer to discuss the referral.