Complex Care Panel

About the panel

The Complex Care Panel (the panel) is established to ensure systemic responses across government for individuals who are, or are likely to be, referred to the Mental Health Court and who require coordinated support services across the mental health, disability or other sectors.

The panel provides an opportunity for interagency discussions to facilitate coordinated responses to support rehabilitation, recovery and return to the community.

The Chief Psychiatrist is the Chair of the Complex Care Panel.

Read the Terms of reference for the Complex Care Panel (PDF 164 kB)

Functions

The main functions of the Complex Care Panel are to:

• facilitate high-level interagency discussions regarding matters referred, or likely to be referred, to the Mental Health Court
• facilitate systemic responses to ensure the early assessment of these matters
• on a case-by-case basis, evaluate the need to provide and facilitate a coordinated approach to ensure relevant services and interventions are available for individuals
• on a case-by-case basis, agree to funding or service provision for coordinated services
• monitor and oversee the implementation of services and progress of individuals who have been considered by the panel.

Referral criteria

Referrals must be endorsed by the panel Chair and meet the following criteria:

• the person has formal service system involvement for any of the 2 following concerns: mental illness, intellectual disability, and/or child safety concerns
• if the person does not have formal service system involvement, they must have a mental illness and/or intellectual disability and/or a current child safety concern
• the person must have been charged with a serious offence which could (or has been) referred to Mental Health Court. The person is likely to present a serious risk to themselves or the community without intervention
• local level stakeholder meetings and engagement (if able to occur) have not adequately addressed the complexities of the matter
• the person is likely to benefit from high level cross agency oversight.

Referrals from government agencies

Referrals to the panel can only be made by Directors (or equivalent) from:

• Queensland Health
• Department of Child Safety, Seniors, Disability Services
• Office of the Public Guardian
• Department of Youth Justice.

Referrals must go to the Secretariat, Complex Care Panel via the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist.

Directors must use the Referral to Complex Care Panel form (DOCX 56 kB) to refer a person and include the required supporting documentation.