Community forensic mental health teams are a new service within the widening range of specialized community services, providing an interface between Generic and Forensic Services. Few teams have been set up in the UK, and many have been developed without a pilot scheme. The service in Hertfordshire was established in 2004, with no previous audits or reports done to evaluate the working of this team.

This work aims to ascertain and evaluate the role of this service, comparing with standards formulated in accordance to guidelines set by Clinical Governance bodies such as NICE, DoH, FR&D, Sainsbury Centre, following principles outlined in the Reed Report. It also identifies gaps in the service and recommends implementing changes to improve clinical effectiveness.

A literature review was conducted to outline the characteristics of a community forensic service. Referrals over 12 months from July 2007 until July 2008 were analysed to look into the number, source, appropriateness, acceptance, response time and response methods. Data collection involved review of notes including meeting minutes, computerised notes and patient file. Information was recorded against a question template. Analyses are represented with use of graphs.

indicated the number of referrals and the quality of response from the team.

Service gaps were identified, and recommendations were made to implement proposed changes. The completion of the Audit cycle which is due in December this year will add to the evidence base which can then guide development of newer teams or improvement in functioning of existing teams.