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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Work within a legal context
  2. Work with clients with mental health and forensic issues
  3. Work collaboratively to plan support
  4. Review mental health status in relation to ongoing forensic issues
  5. Report and document information

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Essential knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include knowledge of

Legislation and policy that has an impact on the client

Own ethical standards and values

Relevant codes of conduct

Advocacy principles and practices

Understanding of the role of community based mental health support in the context of forensic mental health

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Work within a code of practice

Work across different systems ie forensic system and mental health system and respond to tensions between the systems

Support clients to work toward more positive futures

Take action to care to self

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria Required Skills and Knowledge the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this unit of competency

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

This unit is best assessed on the job or in a simulated workplace under the normal range of conditions

Consistency in performance should consider the requirements of the particular workplace context

Access and equity considerations

All workers in community services should be aware of access equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities workers should be aware of cultural historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit can be assessed independently however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Resources required for assessment of this unit include access to a workplace or simulated workplace where assessment may occur

Method of assessment

In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations projects previous relevant experience or oral questioning on What if scenarios

Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures oral andor written questioning on Essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

Where performance is not directly observed andor is required to be demonstrated over a period of time andor in a number of locations any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues supervisors clients or other appropriate persons

Related units

This unit of competency is to be assessed after or in conjunction with

CHCMHA Provide advanced supports to facilitate recovery

CHCMH501A Provide advanced supports to facilitate recovery


Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Forensic mental health refers to:

Services provided for the assessment and care of mentally disturbed offenders

Mental health and forensic issues may involve:

Client's ability to make a plea in court

Client's state of mind at the time of the offence

Need for assessment and service delivery

Forensic mental health clients may include:

Convicted offenders

People who are accused of crimes, but considered unfit to plead because of their mental disturbance

People who are considered not guilty of alleged crimes because of their mental impairment

Offenders or alleged offenders who are referred by courts

Mentally ill offenders living in the general community