Forensic Mental Health

Unit Code

01662

Department/Institution Offering Unit

Community Forensic Mental Health Service
Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health
Locked Bag 10
Fairfield
Victoria 3078 Australia

Unit Points

Research Points: 87.5

Coursework Points: 12.5

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Contacts

Unit Coordinator/s:

Dr Danny Sullivan
Assistant Clinical Director
Community Forensic Mental Health Service
Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health
Locked Bag 10
Fairfield
Victoria 3078 Australia

tel: +61 3 9356 8501
fax: +61 3 9356 8599
email: danny.sullivan@forensicare.vic.gov.au

Alternative Contact:

Prof Paul Mullen
Community Forensic Mental Health Service
Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health
Locked Bag 10
Fairfield
Victoria 3078 Australia

tel: +61 3 9495 9136

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Overall Objectives

• To provide an introduction to research and clinical issues in the field of forensic mental health.
• To develop an understanding of the role of ethics in forensic mental health.
• To provide a critical understanding of the literature in the student's chosen field of interest.
• To develop and complete a research project in this field of interest

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Content

Coursework: Intermediate Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Research: Students will also be provided with an introduction to forensic mental health through a lecture series one morning a week for the first 9 weeks. There will be ample opportunity to visit different settings and observe forensic mental health practice in secure hospital, community and prison settings.

Research: The major component of this course will be a clinical research project performed under the supervision of a psychiatrist, into an aspect of forensic mental health. The students will be expected to develop research protocols, consult widely, gain the approval of relevant ethics committees, and conduct fieldwork in prison settings.

There are two projects, which will provide useful information on subpopulations of offenders who may not receive appropriate attention and interventions. The first project will involve assessing firesetters who are incarcerated or on parole; and the second project will involve assessing the mental and physical health needs of elderly prisoners.

Sample Research Topics:

1. Assessing firesetters who are incarcerated or on parole
2. Assessing the mental and physical health needs of elderly prisoners

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Assessment Breakdown

Research Component: 87.5 points
Research Report (up to 9,000 words): 85%
Supervisor's Evaluation: 15%

Coursework Component: 12.5 points
Intermediate Epidemiology and Biostatistics will be assessed as per subject description.

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Student Numbers

Number of places available:
1