The provision of services under the NDIS for people with psychosocial disabilities related to a mental health condition Submission 75 - Supplementary Submission
Hon Kevin Andrews MP
Chair
Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Mr Andrews,
Endorsement of Australians for Disability Justice submission to the provision of services under the NDIS for people with psychosocial disabilities related to a mental health condition
Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA) is writing to the Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS to endorse the submission by Australians for Disability Justice (ADJ) to the inquiry into the provision of services under the NDIS for people with psychosocial disabilities related to a mental health condition.
ADJ’s submission specifically addresses the provision of services under the NDIS for people with disabilities who are in contact with the criminal justice system. CMHA supports the elements of an appropriate NDIS response identified by ADJ in their submission. This includes enabling active and assertive outreach; having NDIA staff with skills in working with this group; supporting and building the workforce that provides services to people with complex cases; and the role that mainstream services must play.
CMHA’s submission to the Joint Standing Committee inquiry noted - in relation to the terms of reference regarding the provision and continuation of services for NDIS participants in receipt of forensic disability services - that there are currently no guidelines on when people who have been incarcerated or held in 24-hour facilities can or cannot be supported under the NDIS. Service providers are not funded under the NDIS to undertake visits.
People living with a mental illness are over-represented in the criminal justice system. It is vital that the NDIS responds to and incorporates people living with a mental illness who are incarcerated in the criminal justice system. To not do so excludes people with some of the highest level of complexity, need and vulnerability.
Yours sincerely
Liz Crowther
President CMHA
Community Mental Health Australia Page 1 of 1
Room 1.06, Level 1, Griffin Centre
20 Genge Street, Canberra City ACT 2601
t: (02) 6249 7756 f: (02) 6249 7801 e: abresnan@cmha.org.au w: www.cmha.org.au