Abstract
Objectives: This paper describes the development of a Statewide Forensic Psychiatric Service in Tasmania.
Methods: The recent history of psychiatric services to Tasmania's forensic population is examined and new developments described.
Results: Forensic psychiatry is that area of psychiatry that intersects with the law. A public forensic psychiatry service usually deals with psychiatric aspects of criminal law, leaving forensic psychiatric practice in the domain of the private sector. Defining exactly what constitutes a ‘forensic’ patient is a critical starting point in the planning of services.
The proposed service will include provision of psychiatric care to individuals with mental disorders who have a current involvement with the criminal justice system, both in prison and in the community, treatment of sex offenders and court liaison services. The planning process has become the focus of intense scrutiny following events in the last 3 years, in which Risdon Prison has seen a rash of ear amputations (8 individuals in an 18 month period) followed by 4 apparent suicides in a 5 month period. These events provided the catalyst for an Ombudsman's enquiry into Risdon Prison. Its findings and recommendations are expected in the first half of 2000.