The Forensic Disability Service (FDS) is a medium security residential and treatment facility that can accommodate and provide care for up to 10 people who are subject to a Forensic Order (Disability) under the Mental Health Act 2016 (Qld).
The FDS was established to provide services to rehabilitate and improve skills related to daily living for people with an intellectual disability who are charged with criminal offences and found to be of unsound mind or unfit for trail.
Successive Public Advocates have taken an interest in the operation of the FDS, in particular, the protection of clients’ human rights, their access to appropriate programs, and plans to transition clients out of the service.
In August 2019, and again in 2024, the Queensland Ombudsman published reports regarding the FDS. In the 2019 report the Ombudsman identified a number of serious concerns regarding the service and its operation. This included the length of time people are detained, the care received during detention, a lack of programs, and the use of regulated behaviour controls like seclusion.
The 2024 follow-up review of the implementation of the Ombudsman's recommendations found that the FDS had made some improvement, but that prolonged seclusion at the service remains an issue. The Ombudsman consequently recommended improvements to the Forensic Disability Act.
The 2019 Ombudsman's report is available here (opens in a new window).
The 2024 Ombudsman's report is available here (opens in a new window).
The Public Advocate meets with the Director of Forensic Disability on a regular basis to discuss issues of concern.
Additional information regarding the FDS can be found here (opens in a new window).