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Forensic services are specialist services that sit within adult mental health services. Users of forensic services are individuals that have come into or are likely to come into contact with the criminal justice system as a result of their risky behaviour. Services are provided in the community or, if an individual is seen to present increased risk, in low, medium or high secure establishments. All inpatient forensic service users are detained under the Mental Health Act.We work in a low secure forensic unit run by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Trust. The definition of a low secure unit is one that 'delivers intensive, comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment and care by qualified staff for patients who demonstrate disturbed behaviour in the context of a serious mental disorder and who require the provision of security' (DH, 2002). Such units aim to 'provide a homely secure environment, which has occupational and recreational opportunities and links with community facilities' (DH, 2002). Service users present with severe and enduring mental illness or, less commonly, personality disorder. Individuals may be accessing secure services for the first time, or they may be 'stepping down' from conditions of higher security.

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REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE Form Approved OMBNo. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302, and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0704-0188), Washington, DC 20503.

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