Court Liaison Service

Access
Address: Campion Place, 44-46 Elm Grove, Southsea, PO5 1JX
Telephone: 023 9273 7106 (Switchboard)
Website: none
 
Referral Method
Self referrals accepted, relatives and friends can also refer with service users permission. Other referrals accepted from CMHTs, Appropriate Adult Service or anyone connected with the Criminal Justice Service.
 
History
Started in 1995 as MENDOS but has since been expanded to form the Criminal Justice and Forensic Team for Adult Mental Health. The Court Liaison Service is provided by this new team.
 
Current Activities
Assists those with mental health problems or learning disabilities from the time of the arrest through to sentencing. This can involve many actions such as talking to the police or courts about mental health matters. They can also deal with other immediate problems such as accommodation, benefits or the need to be referred to a psychologist. They offer signposting top other organisations within the mental health system and support during legal processes. They do not offer specific legal advice and cannot act as a care co-ordinator.
 
Future Plans
Court Liaison Service plans to develop it’s service further by providing interventions aimed at reducing the risk of clients re-offending.