New service to support people with learning disabilities and autism

A new NHS service has launched to help people with learning disabilities and/or autism moving back into the community from a forensic hospital.

The Forensic Outreach Liaison Service (FOLS) supports people aged 18 years and above who have a learning disability or autism (or both) that are at risk of or have come in to contact with the criminal justice system or been admitted to a secure hospital setting.

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is working in partnership with Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust to provide the service in West Yorkshire and Barnsley.

The service supports people in the community, safely managing risk and avoiding contact with the criminal justice system or admission to secure hospitals. FOLS will also work with young people in transition from children’s services into adult services.

Catherine Dunne, team manager, said: “We’re a team of professionals with a range of specialist expertise who will be working to achieve the best outcomes for people. We’ll support individuals who display offending behaviour and work with them and carers to understand their individual needs and risks, as well as signposting them to other suitable services to keep them well and living in the community. “

“We offer choice and control to keep people safe and improve their quality of life.”

Find out more at www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/fols