New to Forensic (N2F) Mental Health

Established in 2007, under the direction of the Scottish Forensic Network, the School of Forensic Mental Health (SoFMH) offers teaching, training and research support to all professional groups and associated agencies involved in the assessment and care of individuals with a mental disorder who come into contact with forensic services.  The New to Forensic Mental Health is our flagship programme.
As a virtual school, we have a clearly defined model which involves expert clinicians who are active in the forensic field, developing and delivering short courses. Prior to the creation of the SoFMH, there were no bespoke training programmes for forensic practitioners. However, through collaboration with Higher Education providers we have been involved in the creation and delivery of formal qualifications (e.g. MSc Forensic Mental Health) and also provide a range of introductory programmes to support those new to working within the forensic mental health field (e.g. New to Forensic suite). We also have a strong research focus and strive to support the dissemination and commissioning of research in order to establish an evidence base for future service development within forensic mental health services. 

AIMS 

The SoFMH supports the overall aim of the Forensic Network to improve the quality of response, care and treatment and outcomes for people with a mental disorder who come into contact with, or whose behavior puts them at risk of contact with, the criminal justice system.
There are four main ways in which the SoFMH seeks to do this: – 
Promote high quality forensic mental health care delivered on a multi-disciplinary and multiagency basis
Improve public safety through enhanced risk assessment and risk management
Enhance clinical practice through the development and promotion of findings from research projects
Offer multi-level and progressive provision of learning across the college and university interface.