The SCCLS currently operates in 22 local courts in NSW and in a given year, will assist Court Magistrates to divert approximately 2,100 to 2,300 defendants, with over 80% of defendants who are assessed by SCCLS being successfully diverted.
The court diversion program plays an integral role in diverting individual with serious mental health needs into appropriate mental health care in the community.
This is particularly important as it is estimated that almost half of the Australian prison population has a mental illness, which is significantly higher than the general population. In NSW, over 60% of people in custody are recognised as experiencing difficulty with mental health.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are over-represented in custody, with Aboriginal people who suffer a mental illness being significantly more likely to come into contact with the criminal justice system than non-Aboriginal counterparts.
Year on year from 2019, 20% of patients diverted from the criminal justice system have identified as Aboriginal.
To further support Aboriginal patients, Dr Vindya Nanayakkara, Co-Director Forensic Mental Health, has made employing Aboriginal clinicians a priority to the roll-out.
“Important to the expansion of SCCLS is the appointment of Aboriginal Mental Health workers to ensure culturally-informed diversions and community care,” Dr Nanayakkara said.
The appointment of Aboriginal mental health workers aligns with Aboriginal priority areas, identified in the development of our 10-Year Strategic Plan. Staff and patients told us they wanted Aboriginal staff and specialists to treat Aboriginal patients, where feasible, and delivering culturally sensitive care in community settings.
“We look forward to expanding the SCCLS’s reach across NSW and helping to provide critical mental health intervention for many individuals who may otherwise, not seek or receive appropriate care,” Dr Nanayakkara said.
