Dr Tim Lowry1,2, Dr Leah Havighurst1, Dr Kerrin Petersen1, Ms Courtney Whitehead1, Dr Leanne Payne1,2
1Queensland Forensic Mental Health Service, Brisbane, Australia, 2School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Biography:
Tim Lowry is a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, and currently Statewide Program Coordinator Community Forensic Outreach and Forensic Liaison Officer networks, in the QLD Forensic Mental Health Service. He is also the national chair of the APS College of Forensic Psychologists. Tim has worked across public mental health and private practice settings for the past two decades, and has substantial experience in assessing and treating forensic problem behaviours, as well as broader mental health presentations. He provides forensic mental health supervision and training, and is currently undertaking research exploring community forensic mental health models of service.
Abstract:
Public mental health services manage an increasingly complex consumer population, often characterised by multimorbidity and high psychosocial need. A small but significant proportion have histories of, or are at increased risk of, violence or other problematic behaviours that may bring them into contact with the criminal justice system. In Queensland, community forensic mental health services provide specialist consultation-liaison support to treating teams to assess and manage these risks. Despite the complexity of this cohort, little published research describes the characteristics of consumers referred to these services. This project described the sociodemographic, clinical and behavioural characteristics of consumers referred to a community forensic mental health service and explored factors associated with comorbidity and cognitive impairment. Routinely collected data from 1,335 adult referrals to the Brisbane-based Community Forensic Outreach Service between 2019 and 2025 were analysed. Referrals originated from inpatient and community treating teams across South-East and Central Queensland. Most referrals related to concerns about physical violence and threats, followed by sexual violence and stalking. Almost 80% of consumers had a psychotic disorder, while just over 20% had cognitive impairment. Comorbidity, including trauma history, was common, and more than two-thirds were considered suitable for specialist forensic psychological intervention. These findings provide insight into a complex, high-risk consumer group and support the need for specialist forensic risk assessment, targeted service planning and early intervention within public mental health settings to promote recovery while supporting community safety.