Practice Guidelines for Forensic Mental Health Court Liaison Nurses in New Zealand

Forensic mental health court liaison nurses (FCLN) work in the district, high and youth courts to offer triage, liaison and advice in relation to people with known or suspected mental health, addiction and intellectual disability concerns who are involved in the criminal justice system. This document sets out practice guidelines for these roles to ensure nationally consistent practice. The guidelines cover:

• Culturally competent practice aligned to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Therapeutic engagement
• Inter professional and interagency collaboration
• Assessment and referral
• Liaison
• Privacy and confidentiality in criminal justice/health system
• Ethical responsibilities
• Professional practice and development.

The guidelines were developed in 2019 through the five regional forensic mental health services and Hauora Waikato and endorsed by the Directors of Mental Health Nurses (DoMHNs) and affirmed by the New Zealand Forensic Psychiatric Advisory Group.