In January 2001, the Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care established a Forensic Mental Health Services Expert Advisory Panel to consider province-wide operational issues in the context of existing provincial and Ministry policies, and to advise government on a provincial strategy for the implementation of a comprehensive forensic mental health service system, including :

• the inter-ministerial coordination of forensic services;
• the consolidation and clarification of existing provincial and Ministry forensic policies; and
• processes to improve services for forensic clients.

The Panel has identified multiple factors as barriers to the successful implementation of the existing policies and the effective management of the forensic mental health service system in the Province of Ontario.

As a result of its two year review of the existing policies and operational issues, the Panel has concluded that Ontario's forensic mental health service system must comprise a strong inter-ministerial partnership that will provide a fully integrated, accountable, effective and coordinated system of services and supports to meet the needs of mentally disordered persons who come in contact with the law.

The services should be delivered through a continuum of care ranging from highly specialized inpatient services to informal community supports and must provide equitable, stream-lined access to quality care and allow clients to live in the community, to the greatest extent possible.

In addition, the Panel has concluded that a coordinated, appropriately-resourced and clearly articulated long-range plan for the delivery of forensic mental health services will enhance public safety and increase service / system efficiencies.

The Panel has identified the following five categories of issues and, based on its review of the issues, has made 40 recommendations for the Minister's consideration :

1. Leadership and Accountability
2. Information and Data
3. Concepts and Definitions
4. System Capacity and Integration
5. Inter-ministerial Issues

The Panel has also provided appendices setting out the range of forensic services in Ontario, a description of relevant legal issues and a glossary of relevant legal terms.

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