ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how government strategy has shaped the ways in which mental health services are delivered in Australia. It presents a brief overview of some of the practice settings in which mental health nurses currently work. The chapter discusses the impact of service delivery evolution for service users, carers and the health professionals who make up these communities. In Australia, the most common understanding of forensic mental health practice is the assessment and treatment of people diagnosed with mental illness who have come into contact with the criminal justice system. In Australia, the most common understanding of forensic mental health practice is the assessment and treatment of people diagnosed with mental illness who have come into contact with the criminal justice system. The chapter highlights some of the forces that have shaped contemporary mental health practice settings and the ways in which services are delivered in the context of government policy.
