
A team of professionals from Metro South Health has been recognised for their ground-breaking research into the implementation of police mental health co-responder programs.
The study, titled "Barriers and enablers to implementing police mental health co-responder programs: A qualitative study using the consolidated framework for implementation research”, was recently published in the journal Implementation Research and Practice.
The research team delved into the complexities of mental health response in law enforcement settings with findings providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing co-responder programs.
Addiction and Mental Health Services Executive Director Kieran Kinsella praised the team's work, emphasising the importance of mental health professionals in crisis response situations.
"The mental health clinician on the scene conducts a risk assessment and plans accordingly," he said.
He further highlighted the role of CoRE (Co-Responder Engagement) in providing support, education, and advice and said he encouraged individuals experiencing a mental health crisis to seek help, noting that local mental health services were available 24/7 across Metro South Health.
"The team's research underscores the critical role of mental health professionals in law enforcement and crisis response and their work is a testament to Metro South Health's commitment to advancing mental health care and support."
If you or someone you know needs access to a public mental health service, call 1300 MH CALL (1300 64 22 55) 24/7.