Allied Health Professions: disclosure guidance

Ministerial Foreword

In March 2019, former Minister for Mental Health, Clare Haughey, commissioned an Independent Review into the delivery of Forensic Mental Health Services ("the Review") chaired by Derek Barron, Director of Care at Erskine. One of the findings from the final report identified the need for guidance on how to understand the legislative requirements around disclosure when supporting people with a forensic mental health background.

The Scottish Government made a commitment to re-engage with Allied Health Professionals to finalise their draft guidance aimed at supporting people with criminal convictions and mental health conditions into work, volunteering or education.

This publication is the result of years of work from individuals working in Allied Health Professions, third sector and the Scottish Government. The voices of those with lived experience can be heard through the case studies included in the document. I know that this work has been in development for some time therefore I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those involved over the years for their time and dedication.

Throughout Scotland there has always been an emphasis on vocational rehabilitation within mental health and I believe that placements, work, volunteering and education are extremely important in the recovery and rehabilitation of a person.

I very much welcome this guidance, it is clear, concise and highlights the collaborative working that has brought services together to best support patients, professionals, third sector organisations and the public. It will be a great source of support in helping improve employment, volunteering and educational outcomes for people within the forensic mental health system.

Maree Todd MSP

Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport