Evaluation of a community forensic psychiatric support program

© 1999 David John RoseThis thesis reports on an evaluation of the Forensic Psychiatric Program that has operated at The Victorian Offender Support Agency (VOSA) since 1992. The program provides outreach based community support services to people with a mental illness and offending history who are also homeless or at risk of homelessness. Services provided by the program range from practical activities such as assisting with accommodation, through to providing emotional support and advocacy on behalf of the client with other agencies and services. Most clients begin contact with the program prior to their discharge from prison or secure hospital and are supported in the transition process through to the community. The evaluation was based on an “insider” agency self evaluation approach for the purposes of program specification and development. Data was collected primarily through interviews with clients; program staff and external agency staff; case studies based on written client case records; data from the program management information system; and examination of historical program records. Overall, the program was perceived to be providing an important component of the community support needs of mentally disordered offenders and is well regarded by clients and staff of external agencies. Program data is reported which indicates that the program is largely providing services to clients from its stated target group, and data on the outcomes of the clients’ contact with the program is discussed. The key tasks that are undertaken by the workers in their support role are identified, as are the underlying factors that appear to contribute to the support program’s effectiveness. In particular, client involvement in the program is voluntary, the service is outreach based, concrete practical support in the form of assistance with accommodation is provided, contact begins prior to discharge from prison or hospital and the support workers clearly fulfil a significant social network role in their clients’ lives. Recommendations are made concerning the future development of the program. In summary, the recommendations relate to the need to develop further specialised support strategies for particular client groups (such as women and young people); a range of resource related recommendations; and recommendations relating to the need for further strengthening of the program’s position within the service sector through dissemination of information on the model, clarification of roles and maintenance of good communication within the sector, and the development of strategic alliances