555. Hon ALISON XAMON to the Minister for Disability Services:
I refer to the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
(1) Will the minister please advise what strategies are being put into place to ensure specific tailored services will be available to meet the support needs of people who are mentally impaired accused?
(2) Will the minister please advise what strategies are being put into place to ensure specific tailored services will be available to meet the support needs of people who have been discharged from forensic mental health inpatient services?
Hon STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) People who have been deemed mentally impaired accused and who are eligible for the NDIS will be able to access services via their local coordinator, and their disability-related supports will be considered in the development of an individual plan. Additionally, the Department of Communities operates a disability justice service providing support to people with disability who are interfacing with the justice system. The disability justice service incorporates a team of multidisciplinary allied health clinicians who work in collaboration with government and non-government organisations to build their capacity to support people with disability interfacing with the justice system and around issues relating to offending behaviour .
(2) People who have been discharged from forensic mental health services may be able to access services under the NDIS should they meet the eligibility criteria. Their disability-related supports will be considered in the development of an individual plan. The Department of Communities will continue to work closely with government agencies and the WA mental health sector to ensure people who are ineligible for the NDIS are referred to appropriate supports and services.