Forensic Network & SoFMH

The Forensic Network seeks to address fragmentation across forensic mental health services and to standardise and improve care for Mentally Disordered Offenders in Scotland. Established in 2003, the Network seeks to bring a pan-dimensional, whole Scotland approach to the planning and development of pathways for forensic mental health services. As a Network we host several professional groups, commission short life working groups to tackle specific concerns, and facilitate clinical fora on a variety of key topic areas. We provide a platform to encourage stakeholders from across the forensic mental health estate to work collaboratively. We also host the School of Forensic Mental Health (SoFMH), established in 2007 to address concerns around education and training, to promote research across the estate, and assist in building an evidence base for services. The SoFMH offers teaching and training to all professional groups and agencies involved in the assessment and care of mentally disordered offenders and others requiring similar services. The SoFMH has access to many experienced professionals and can support services or partner agencies in the development of teaching materials, courses or research. It provides a focus for supporting, developing and delivering multi-disciplinary and multi-sector educational and research initiatives.