A service providerIn the context of the NDIS, a provider is someone who provides products or services to assist NDIS participants to achieve the goals outlined in their plan. If you do not self-manage any of your NDIS funding, as an NDIS participant you are required to use providers who are registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. All registered NDIS providers; must implement and comply with appropriate WHS and quality management systems, that meet NDIS practice standard requirements, the NDIS rules, and are relevant to the NDIS supports delivered. In the context of mental health and psychosocial services, a provider may be any service that provide clinical care and treatment or psychosocial rehabilitation and support services including, but not limited to housing, employment, education and training as well as information and advocacy services. More is a person, business or organisation that delivers funded services and/or programs. Service providers have different areas of experience and expertise, so it is important to work out what you want. It is important to find the right providers for what may be a range of different services to best meet your needs and achieve your goals.
Providers could be:
All supports and services delivered to NDIS participants should enable people with disabilities to have access to the same things in life as other people in the community. This might include a place to live, a job (whether voluntary or paid), access to learning and interest/hobby activities, social and community events as well as the company of families and friends. The NDIS is designed to be flexible. NDIS funded supports should generally assist you to carry out daily activities which form part of your community life and work.
This section will provide information about:
Once you have gone through an assessment process and are accepted as an NDIS participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More, you will receive support for as long as you need it. The NDIS will fund reasonable and necessary supportsReasonable means something that is fair, and necessary means that it is strongly needed. In the context of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the National Disability Insurance Authority will only give participants funding for things that are fair and really needed to live a meaningful life and participate equally in the community. More and services to help NDIS participants to play a part in the community socially and economically, and to pursue their aspirations and goals. Reasonable and necessary supports are described by the NDIS as being effective and beneficial in supporting your disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More support needs.
Some supports and services which the NDIS may fund include:
If Local Area Coordination or Early Childhood Early Intervention planners are not available in your area, or you would like more help coordinating your supports and services, the NDIA may fund a Support Coordinator as part of your NDIS plan. A Support Coordinator will help you build the skills you need to use your plan to achieve your goals, live more independently, increase your skills and be included in the community of your choice and in employment. Support Coordination is included in your plan if it is seen as reasonable and necessary for your support needs.
Support Coordinators will work with you to assist in:
Participants can decide where and how they can access their funded supports. For example, they may access supports through centre-based services, in-home, day services, community access and outreach services.
The NDIS Psychosocial Recovery CoachThe NDIS Psychosocial Recovery Coach (Recovery Coach) is a new support item made available in 2021 to participants with psychosocial disability. The NDIS intends recovery coaches to support participants in numerous dimensions of recovery. These dimensions include increased independence, social participation, economic participation, self-control, and management of daily living. A recovery coach seeks to support a participant through developing a recovery-enabling relationship with them. It is achieved by dedicating specific time with the participant, and the people important to them, to develop an understanding of the participant, and their needs and desires. Collaborating with the broader system of supports is also part of the role. The goal of recovery coaches is to support the participant by finding out about different services and supports, and how these may be of assistance. Support in navigating mental health services, as well as better understanding and engaging with the NDIS, are also crucial elements of the role. More
The NDIS Psychosocial Recovery CoachThe NDIS Psychosocial Recovery Coach (Recovery Coach) is a new support item made available in 2021 to participants with psychosocial disability. The NDIS intends recovery coaches to support participants in numerous dimensions of recovery. These dimensions include increased independence, social participation, economic participation, self-control, and management of daily living. A recovery coach seeks to support a participant through developing a recovery-enabling relationship with them. It is achieved by dedicating specific time with the participant, and the people important to them, to develop an understanding of the participant, and their needs and desires. Collaborating with the broader system of supports is also part of the role. The goal of recovery coaches is to support the participant by finding out about different services and supports, and how these may be of assistance. Support in navigating mental health services, as well as better understanding and engaging with the NDIS, are also crucial elements of the role. More (Recovery CoachThe NDIS Psychosocial Recovery Coach (Recovery Coach) is a new support item made available in 2021 to participants with psychosocial disability. The NDIS intends recovery coaches to support participants in numerous dimensions of recovery. These dimensions include increased independence, social participation, economic participation, self-control, and management of daily living. A recovery coach seeks to support a participant through developing a recovery-enabling relationship with them. It is achieved by dedicating specific time with the participant, and the people important to them, to develop an understanding of the participant, and their needs and desires. Collaborating with the broader system of supports is also part of the role. The goal of recovery coaches is to support the participant by finding out about different services and supports, and how these may be of assistance. Support in navigating mental health services, as well as better understanding and engaging with the NDIS, are also crucial elements of the role. More) is a new support item made available in 2021 to participants with psychosocial disabilityPsychosocial disability is not about a diagnosis, it refers to the social and economic consequences related to living with a mental health condition. It is a recognised term used to describe the challenges, or limits, a person experiences in life that are related to their mental health condition. Not everyone living with a mental health condition has a psychosocial disability. More. RecoveryIndividual or personal recovery is defined as being able to create and live a meaningful and contributing life within a community of choice, with or without the presence of mental health difficulties. ‘Recovery’ can mean different things to different people; but in general, it means: gaining and retaining hope; understanding of one’s abilities and difficulties; engagement in an active life; personal autonomy; social identity; meaning and purpose in life, and a positive sense of self. More coaches are there to support participants in numerous dimensions of recoveryIndividual or personal recovery is defined as being able to create and live a meaningful and contributing life within a community of choice, with or without the presence of mental health difficulties. ‘Recovery’ can mean different things to different people; but in general, it means: gaining and retaining hope; understanding of one’s abilities and difficulties; engagement in an active life; personal autonomy; social identity; meaning and purpose in life, and a positive sense of self. More. These dimensions include increased independence, social participation, economic participation, self-control, and management of daily living. They support a participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More through developing a recovery-enabling relationship with them. It is achieved by dedicating specific time with the participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More, and the people important to them, to develop an understanding of the participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More, and their needs and desires. Collaborating with the broader system of supports is also part of the role. The goal of recoveryIndividual or personal recovery is defined as being able to create and live a meaningful and contributing life within a community of choice, with or without the presence of mental health difficulties. ‘Recovery’ can mean different things to different people; but in general, it means: gaining and retaining hope; understanding of one’s abilities and difficulties; engagement in an active life; personal autonomy; social identity; meaning and purpose in life, and a positive sense of self. More coaches is to support the participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More by finding out about different services and supports, and how these may be of assistance. All recoveryIndividual or personal recovery is defined as being able to create and live a meaningful and contributing life within a community of choice, with or without the presence of mental health difficulties. ‘Recovery’ can mean different things to different people; but in general, it means: gaining and retaining hope; understanding of one’s abilities and difficulties; engagement in an active life; personal autonomy; social identity; meaning and purpose in life, and a positive sense of self. More coaches are required to have certain competencies to successfully fulfil their role in supporting participants such as:
Here are some things to consider when choosing a service providerIn the context of the NDIS, a provider is someone who provides products or services to assist NDIS participants to achieve the goals outlined in their plan. If you do not self-manage any of your NDIS funding, as an NDIS participant you are required to use providers who are registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. All registered NDIS providers; must implement and comply with appropriate WHS and quality management systems, that meet NDIS practice standard requirements, the NDIS rules, and are relevant to the NDIS supports delivered. In the context of mental health and psychosocial services, a provider may be any service that provide clinical care and treatment or psychosocial rehabilitation and support services including, but not limited to housing, employment, education and training as well as information and advocacy services. More:
Providers are individuals or organisations who provide a support service to help you achieve your goals. If you choose not to self-manage your plan, your providers must be registered to provide support services. Being an NDIS registered providerIn the context of the NDIS, a provider is someone who provides products or services to assist NDIS participants to achieve the goals outlined in their plan. If you do not self-manage any of your NDIS funding, as an NDIS participant you are required to use providers who are registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. All registered NDIS providers; must implement and comply with appropriate WHS and quality management systems, that meet NDIS practice standard requirements, the NDIS rules, and are relevant to the NDIS supports delivered. In the context of mental health and psychosocial services, a provider may be any service that provide clinical care and treatment or psychosocial rehabilitation and support services including, but not limited to housing, employment, education and training as well as information and advocacy services. More ensures that the services meet the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding standards.
The NDIS Commission manages the registration and quality assurance of NDIS providers under a nationally consistent framework.
To find out what is expected of registered providers, click here.
The NDIS have compiled a list of all their NSW registered providers here.
Your Local Area CoordinatorLocal Area Coordinators are organisations which are partners with the NDIA in local communities who work with people, their families and carers to access and manage the NDIS. LACs also help connect people to supports and services outside of the NDIS. More or your Early Childhood Early Intervention partner are available to help you find services that best meet your needs. It is important to think about which services will meet your needs, charge an appropriate fee, and which will best support you to fulfil your identified hopes and aspirations.
You may already have used some service providers before you joined the NDIS and you may choose to work with them again. You may also want to try new providers when you become an NDIS participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More.
When considering a service providerIn the context of the NDIS, a provider is someone who provides products or services to assist NDIS participants to achieve the goals outlined in their plan. If you do not self-manage any of your NDIS funding, as an NDIS participant you are required to use providers who are registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. All registered NDIS providers; must implement and comply with appropriate WHS and quality management systems, that meet NDIS practice standard requirements, the NDIS rules, and are relevant to the NDIS supports delivered. In the context of mental health and psychosocial services, a provider may be any service that provide clinical care and treatment or psychosocial rehabilitation and support services including, but not limited to housing, employment, education and training as well as information and advocacy services. More, talk to them about your goals and discuss how they can help you work towards them.
Once you choose your service providerIn the context of the NDIS, a provider is someone who provides products or services to assist NDIS participants to achieve the goals outlined in their plan. If you do not self-manage any of your NDIS funding, as an NDIS participant you are required to use providers who are registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. All registered NDIS providers; must implement and comply with appropriate WHS and quality management systems, that meet NDIS practice standard requirements, the NDIS rules, and are relevant to the NDIS supports delivered. In the context of mental health and psychosocial services, a provider may be any service that provide clinical care and treatment or psychosocial rehabilitation and support services including, but not limited to housing, employment, education and training as well as information and advocacy services. More, you will create a service agreement. A service agreement is a written contract which makes clear what will be provided to you and the guidelines of the service.
Service agreements might include information about:
Sometimes a service providerIn the context of the NDIS, a provider is someone who provides products or services to assist NDIS participants to achieve the goals outlined in their plan. If you do not self-manage any of your NDIS funding, as an NDIS participant you are required to use providers who are registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. All registered NDIS providers; must implement and comply with appropriate WHS and quality management systems, that meet NDIS practice standard requirements, the NDIS rules, and are relevant to the NDIS supports delivered. In the context of mental health and psychosocial services, a provider may be any service that provide clinical care and treatment or psychosocial rehabilitation and support services including, but not limited to housing, employment, education and training as well as information and advocacy services. More may already have a standard service agreement that you may like to use, or you can create your own service agreement to meet your individual needs.
It is important to consider which support or service will most effectively help you to achieve the aspirations and goals set out in your NDIS plan and improve your social and economic participation in your local community when choosing your service providers.
The NDIS aims to better support families and carers in their caring role. While the NDIS cannot create individual plans for carers, as a participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More you may choose to include funded-supports which may have direct or indirect benefits for your family members or carers.
In addition to the government-funded programs available to support carers, an NDIS participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More might use funding in their plan to facilitate respite. Respite gives carers short breaks from their caring responsibilities and gives participants time away from their families. For carers, taking some time off can help them better manage their own health and improve their wellbeing.
Supports that may have a direct or indirect benefit to your carer may include:
The NDIA or Local Area Coordinators can also help connect carers to mainstreamIn the context of the mental health and the NDIS, mainstream services and programs are non-NDIS, government funded and/or delivered services that can be used by everyone. They include public health and mental health services, public transport, education, housing, justice, child protection and employment services. More services such as support groups, respite services or counselling to help with their self-care. Carers can find information about helpful mainstream services here.
Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway is a national online and phone service that provides practical information and resources to support carers. The interactive service finder helps carers connect to local support services. You can find more information on the Carer Gateway website.
Carers Australia
Carers Australia is a national organisation that supports Australia’s carers. They work to improve the health, wellbeing, resilience and financial security of carers. You can find more information on the Carers Australia website.
For more general information about carers for people with mental health issues, click here.
NDIA will not fund parents or family members of participants to provide personal care supports, except in the most exceptional circumstances.
reimagine.today is an online resource developed by the Mental Health Coordinating Council which was funded by the NDIA. This resource assists people living with mental health conditions and their support persons to better understand the NDIS and what it can offer people living with psychosocial disabilityPsychosocial disability is not about a diagnosis, it refers to the social and economic consequences related to living with a mental health condition. It is a recognised term used to describe the challenges, or limits, a person experiences in life that are related to their mental health condition. Not everyone living with a mental health condition has a psychosocial disability. More resulting from a mental health conditionThe term mental health condition is a broad term that refers to symptoms that may be caused by life events, genetic factors or birth defects. This condition can be temporary, episodic or lifelong. A mental health condition can include mood, anxiety, personality, psychotic and compulsive disorders. It includes, but is not limited to, those conditions and symptoms recognised as constituting mental illness under the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW). More.
reimagine.today provides information about how to apply for the NDIS and how to choose the right service providers to deliver the services a person has identified will meet their aspirations and goals. reimagine.today also presents information with a recoveryIndividual or personal recovery is defined as being able to create and live a meaningful and contributing life within a community of choice, with or without the presence of mental health difficulties. ‘Recovery’ can mean different things to different people; but in general, it means: gaining and retaining hope; understanding of one’s abilities and difficulties; engagement in an active life; personal autonomy; social identity; meaning and purpose in life, and a positive sense of self. More focus particularly in its strengths-based approach toward decision making and developing strategies to maintain health and wellbeing.
The National NDIS website and NSW NDIS website provide information in online booklets and fact sheets. The national NDIS website has developed the NDIS Access checklist for people to test if they might be eligible for the NDIS.
The NDIS Complex Support Needs Pathway provides specialised support for participants living with a disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More who experience many challenges impacting on their lives such as mental health conditions, incarceration or homelessness, and need a higher level of specialised supports in their plan.
NDIA Complex Support Needs planning teams and a network of specialised planners have extensive experience in high level coordination and/or allied health expertise. NDIS participants are identified for the Complex Support Needs Pathway based on the complexity of their situation, and personal factors such as being homeless or returning to the community from living in residential aged care. Involuntary or voluntary involvement with government systems such as justice or a mental health inpatient setting will also be factors which would facilitate entry to the Complex Support Needs Pathway.
The NDIS website has provided information about the NDIS in many languages other than English, including Arabic, Auslan, Chinese (Simplified or Traditional), Filipino (Tagalog), French, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Macedonian, Samoan and Vietnamese. To access translated fact sheets, click here.
NDIS providers may not be able to speak the participant’s (or their parents/carers) primary language. In these circumstances, your NDIS representative (NDIA planner, Local Area CoordinatorLocal Area Coordinators are organisations which are partners with the NDIA in local communities who work with people, their families and carers to access and manage the NDIS. LACs also help connect people to supports and services outside of the NDIS. More or Support Coordinator) will assist you to access interpreter services through the National Translation and Interpreter Services (TIS National), or through local mainstreamIn the context of the mental health and the NDIS, mainstream services and programs are non-NDIS, government funded and/or delivered services that can be used by everyone. They include public health and mental health services, public transport, education, housing, justice, child protection and employment services. More interpreter services.
To assist in delivering information about the NDIS, there is a free interpreter available to call on 1800 800 110*.
*Mobile phone calls to freecall numbers (numbers starting with 1800) are charged to the caller at the usual mobile rate.
Local Area Coordinators tell people with disabilities living in rural and remote communities about the types of supports are available under the NDIS through the knowledge of staff local to their community.
You can find a list of NSW Local Area Coordinator (LAC) partner offices here.
The NDIA is designing and developing a range of digital services and channels to support communication and engagement of rural communities with the NDIS.
To read the NDIA’s Rural and Remote Strategy, follow this link.
The NDIA has developed an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Strategy which focuses on supporting quality engagement, service delivery and leadership to ensure the effective provision of the NDIS in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The NDIA mainly looks at the impact of a condition or conditions (that is, the psychosocial disabilityPsychosocial disability is not about a diagnosis, it refers to the social and economic consequences related to living with a mental health condition. It is a recognised term used to describe the challenges, or limits, a person experiences in life that are related to their mental health condition. Not everyone living with a mental health condition has a psychosocial disability. More) rather than the condition itself. If you have a co-existing condition, this does not mean you cannot get a NDIS package. Your plan should be tailored to support all the areas of functional difficulty you experience as a result of your condition.
Where co-existing alcohol or drug dependency issues are present, it must still be shown that your impacted functional capacityCapacity refers to a person’s ability to make his/her own decisions and give informed consent. These may be small decisions, such as what to do each day, or bigger decisions like where to live or whether to have a medical procedure. A person may lack capacity in some areas, but still be able to make other decisions. More is the result of a mental health conditionThe term mental health condition is a broad term that refers to symptoms that may be caused by life events, genetic factors or birth defects. This condition can be temporary, episodic or lifelong. A mental health condition can include mood, anxiety, personality, psychotic and compulsive disorders. It includes, but is not limited to, those conditions and symptoms recognised as constituting mental illness under the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW). More and not because of a co-existing substance use difficulty. A person can meet the NDIS access requirements regardless of any co-existing substance dependency issues. However, clinical treatment services for these issues are not funded by the NDIS.
Persons with disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More who have been in custody are able to access the scheme and to plan to receive supports after being released from prison. If an existing NDIS participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More is remanded in custody, the NDIS will continue to fund reasonable and necessary supportsReasonable means something that is fair, and necessary means that it is strongly needed. In the context of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the National Disability Insurance Authority will only give participants funding for things that are fair and really needed to live a meaningful life and participate equally in the community. More once they are released.
What the NDIS funds
In some cases, people in custody can be assessed if and when they are eligible for parole. They can be appointed a Coordinator of Supports and NDIS may provide supports to transition into the community. For example, a core supports agency may accompany someone on leave as part of an approved transition plan.
The current NDIS operational guidelines states that the NDIA is permitted to prioritise the preparation of plans within six (6) weeks of being granted eligibility into the scheme for persons who are returning to the community from being released from prison or custody.
The NDIS will fund supports where the person is on bail or on a community treatment orderA Community Treatment Order is a legal order made by the Mental Health Review Tribunal, or in some circumstances, a Magistrate. It authorises the compulsory care and treatment, usually including the regular administration of medication, of a person with mental illness living in the community. The order is implemented by a public community mental health service, often in collaboration with a range of community managed organisations providing psychosocial care and support services. More (CTO) while on parole, which places obligations on the public health system to support the person to comply with a care and treatment plan for a set period of time and support the person’s recoveryIndividual or personal recovery is defined as being able to create and live a meaningful and contributing life within a community of choice, with or without the presence of mental health difficulties. ‘Recovery’ can mean different things to different people; but in general, it means: gaining and retaining hope; understanding of one’s abilities and difficulties; engagement in an active life; personal autonomy; social identity; meaning and purpose in life, and a positive sense of self. More goals and aspirations in the community whilst managing any risks to the individual or the community.
Staff members in correctional facilities can assist correctional patients and inmates with disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More with referrals to the NDIS. The State-wide DisabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More Services (SDS) addresses the additional support needs of offenders with disabilities. SDS is a multidisciplinary team that works with all offenders with a disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More whether in custody or in the community.
More information about this can be found at this link.
NDIS participants can access NDIS ‘for life’. If a person had access to NDIS before going into custody, they can re-active their plans after discharge. If they have a strong relationship with their Coordinator of Supports, participants could have their phone number approved on their contact list and call them when appropriate.
A forensic patientUnder the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (NSW), a forensic patient is a person who has been charged for committing a crime but is found unfit to stand trial or the act was proven but they are not criminally responsible because of a mental health impairment or cognitive impairment. Forensic patients can be detained in forensic facilities or in the community under the supervision of the Mental Health Review Tribunal. More is a person who has been charged for committing a crime but is found unfit to stand trialThe term fitness refers to a person’s capacity to understand and fairly participate in a criminal justice process. Fitness will depend on a person’s ability to understand what will happen in the court process, to communicate their version of what happened, to tell their legal representatives how they want to be represented and to stay focused throughout the period of a trial. Someone may be unfit to stand trial due to a number of conditions and/or disability including mental illness, developmental or intellectual disability and physical disability. More or the act was proven but they are not criminally responsible because of a mental health impairmentMental health impairment is defined by the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 as a temporary or ongoing disturbance serious enough to result in a mental health diagnosis and that negatively impacts the person's emotional wellbeing, judgement or behaviour. A mental health impairment can arise from an anxiety disorder, an affective disorder, a psychotic disorder or a substance-induced mental disorder that is not temporary. A mental health impairment does not include feelings such as grief or anger, or the temporary effect of taking drugs. A substance use disorder is not included in this definition. More and/or cognitive impairmentCognitive impairment is defined by the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (NSW) as an ongoing impairment in adaptive functioning and in comprehension, reasoning, judgement, learning or memory, which has resulted from damage or dysfunction to the brain or mind. Cognitive impairment may arise from intellectual disability, dementia, autism or foetal alcohol spectrum disorder. More. Access to the NDIS for forensic patients is an area which is improving as time progresses and the scheme becomes more established.
Forensic patients have the right to apply for the NDIS if they believe their psychosocial disabilityPsychosocial disability is not about a diagnosis, it refers to the social and economic consequences related to living with a mental health condition. It is a recognised term used to describe the challenges, or limits, a person experiences in life that are related to their mental health condition. Not everyone living with a mental health condition has a psychosocial disability. More is significant and permanent, and they believe that the NDIS could alleviate their functional impairmentThe loss or limitation of physical, mental or sensory function on a long-term or permanent basis. For people with mental health conditions this would also include a loss of function on an episodic basis, which in many cases leads to long term or permanent impairment and subsequent disablement. More/s. Forensic patients can apply for the NDIS and complete an Access Request Form with supporting evidence at any point in their stay in hospital with the assistance of hospital staff.
If your access request is successful and you are considered eligible, it is recommended that you include Support Coordination as part of your plan. A forensic patientUnder the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (NSW), a forensic patient is a person who has been charged for committing a crime but is found unfit to stand trial or the act was proven but they are not criminally responsible because of a mental health impairment or cognitive impairment. Forensic patients can be detained in forensic facilities or in the community under the supervision of the Mental Health Review Tribunal. More may need to request specialist support coordination and find out if there is a complex support needs pathway in their area.
Using a NDIS package while a forensic patientUnder the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (NSW), a forensic patient is a person who has been charged for committing a crime but is found unfit to stand trial or the act was proven but they are not criminally responsible because of a mental health impairment or cognitive impairment. Forensic patients can be detained in forensic facilities or in the community under the supervision of the Mental Health Review Tribunal. More is on conditional leave requires negotiation with the NDIS, and a patient will need to establish that a particular service for their disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More support needs is necessary to support functioning when on leave.
If a forensic patientUnder the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (NSW), a forensic patient is a person who has been charged for committing a crime but is found unfit to stand trial or the act was proven but they are not criminally responsible because of a mental health impairment or cognitive impairment. Forensic patients can be detained in forensic facilities or in the community under the supervision of the Mental Health Review Tribunal. More wants to discuss any aspect of the NDIS, they can ask to speak to the NDIS Transition Lead who may be a member of the nursing staff or a social worker at the service where they are currently detained.
Updated February 4, 2021