Mental health and wellbeing strategy: delivery plan 2023-2025

Priority 8

Continue to improve support for those in the forensic mental health system.

Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9

Challenges and opportunities:

• Stigma and discrimination
• Delivering supports and services
• Workforce
• Trauma and adverse childhood experiences
• Benefits of investing

Key area of focus

Forensic mental health services specialise in the assessment, treatment and risk management of people with a mental disorder^[1] who are currently undergoing, or have previously undergone, legal or court proceedings. Some other people are managed by forensic mental health services because they are deemed to be at a high risk of harming others or, rarely, themselves under civil legislation. There have been significant changes in the way forensic mental health services have been delivered over a number of years. Two recent independent reviews – the Independent Forensic Mental Health Review and the Scottish Mental Health Law Review – have made recommendations to improve the delivery of forensic mental health, including strengthening the rights of people who are detained under mental health legislation. Alongside ongoing improvements, we will implement a new programme of work that will include a focus on specific rights, protections and improvements for people within the forensic mental health system.

Outcomes

• The overall mental health and wellbeing of the population is increased and mental health inequalities are reduced.
• People with mental health conditions, including those with co-existing health conditions experience improved quality and length of life, free from stigma and discrimination.
• People have an increased knowledge and understanding of mental health and wellbeing and how to access appropriate support.
• Comprehensive support and services that promote and support people’s mental health and wellbeing are available in a timely way that meets and respects individual needs.
• Mental health policies, support, care, and treatment are better informed and shaped by people with lived experience of mental health issues and staff practitioners, with a focus on high quality provision that is recovery orientated.
• The mental health and wellbeing workforce is diverse, skilled, supported and sustainable.

Strategic Action 8.1: We will take the opportunity to support and progress positive change in forensic mental health services, including progressing issues identified by the Independent Review into the Delivery of Forensic Mental Health Services in Scotland (Barron Review).

8.1.1 During the lifespan of this Delivery Plan, continue to bring together key stakeholders to agree a clear plan for addressing the Strategic Planning and Governance of Forensic Mental Health Services (Recommendation One of the Independent Review).

Lead and Key Partners: Scottish Government NHS Boards, COSLA

8.1.2 During the lifespan of this Delivery Plan, develop a plan with stakeholders to deliver services in Scotland for women who need high secure care and treatment in the short and long-term (Recommendation Three of the Independent Review).

Lead and Key Partners: Scottish Government SPS, NHS Boards, NHS National Services Scotland

8.1.3 During the lifespan of this Delivery Plan, address the key gaps in data collected and reported on forensic mental health services by developing an improved system of data collection and monitoring the outcomes for individuals receiving such services (Recommendations 5, 7, 8 and 20 of the Independent Review).

Lead and Key Partners: Scottish Government NHS Boards, PHS, NHS National Services Scotland, Forensic Network, SPS, MWC, Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland

8.1.4 During the lifespan of this Delivery Plan, work with stakeholders to consider changes to practice and legislation, beyond the Independent Review, that will improve or simplify the delivery of forensic mental health services for service users and put in place a plan for taking these improvements forward.

Lead and Key Partners: Scottish Government NHS Boards, COSLA, MWC, Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland