Guidance for the health and disability sector on the development of specialist forensic mental health, alcohol and other drug, and intellectual disability services for young people involved in New Zealand’s justice system
Youth forensic services are specialist mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) services for young people with mental health disorders, AOD problems and/or intellectual disabilities (under the Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act 2003 (IDCC&R Act)) who have offended or are alleged to have offended and are involved in New Zealand’s justice system.
This document provides guidance on improving the range, quality and national consistency of the youth forensic services that are available. It is intended for those who have responsibility for planning, funding and providing youth forensic services including District Health Boards (DHBs), non-governmental organisations and the Ministry of Health.
This document is designed to:
- encourage and disseminate good practice
- assist, over time, with the achievement of greater consistency in the quality of services and the way they are delivered across the country
- provide guidance on cost-effective models of care to assist DHBs to make best use of resources.