The Community Forensic Mental Health (CFMHT) was set up in late 2005 as part of a regional development to address the needs of mentally ill offenders in Northern Ireland and to provide a seamless service to clients coming through the Medium Secure Unit in Belfast.

The CFMHT developed vision and mission statements.

To improve the mental health and well-being of people with mental disorders, to ensure equal access to services in the least restrictive environment. To minimise offending behaviours, maintain the individual's safety and that of the community, thus enabling this group of people to reintegrate into society.

To provide a holistic approach to meet the needs of people with mental disorders who are at serious risk of engaging in offending behaviours, thereby reducing the risk in the community.

The Northern Trust CFMHT took part regionally in drawing up agreed protocols and functions between Mental Health and Criminal Justice, which has been sent to Heads of Service. This document describes how a CFMHT will function at four levels of intervention.

Level 1 – a one-off specialist consultation with the Community Mental Health Team.

Level 2 – in-depth risk assessment/ management plan with the referring team retaining responsibility.

Level 3 – agreed period of shared responsibility with referring team.

Level 4 – CFMHT taking full responsibility for duration of need.

There are plans to develop a base where therapies will be carried out, allowing for a safe environment for interviewing and assessing.