The Forensic Network was established by Scottish Government in September 2003, following a review of The State Hospitals Board for Scotland ‘The Right Place, The Right Time‘. The review coincided with the introduction of new mental health legislation in the form of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and marked the beginning of a period of significant change in forensic mental health services in Scotland. Scottish Ministers requested the development of a Managed Care Network (MCN) to bring a pan-Scotland approach to planning of services, patient pathways, strategic planning as well as teaching, training and research.

Scottish Ministers invited Andreana Adamson, Chief Executive of The State Hospital, to lead the development of a Forensic Mental Health Services Managed Care Network.

Structure of the Forensic Network and SoFMH

The aims set out by Scottish Government are achieved through the coordination of a national oversight group, the Network Advisory Board, the development of regional Multi-agency structures with links to NHS Regional Planning Groups which drive forward progress at a regional level, and the commissioning of short life working groups who are allocated responsibility on a range of topic specific or geographical specific projects, providing direction where national guidance is required. To read more about the Forensic Network Structure and our work please click here, or to meet our team please click here.

The Forensic Network hold a list of Intellectual Disability (ID) practitioners operating in prisons. Please contact the office for this information or to be put in touch with your local practitioner.

The Network host the School of Forensic Mental Health (SoFMH) which was established in 2007, to meet the teaching, training and research aims of our remit. For more information on SoFMH please click here.