Forensic Coordination Service transferred from Te Whatu Ora to Whaikaha

The Forensic Coordination Service for Intellectual Disability transferred from Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand to Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People on Tuesday 5 March 2024. 

This highly specialised service provides needs assessment and service coordination for people with an intellectual disability who access the High and Complex Framework. The Framework provides for the compulsory care and rehabilitation of care recipients in the criminal justice system.

The Ministry of Health has statutory responsibility for the Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act. Whaikaha is responsible for the planning and commissioning of services. 

Whaikaha and Te Whatu Ora have been working closely together to ensure a smooth transition, with minimal disruptions to the operations of the service. 

While at Whaikaha, the Forensic Coordination Service will form part of the Commissioning, Design and Delivery team. 

Whaikaha is also leading the High and Complex Framework Strategy to improve wellbeing outcomes for people in secure and supervised care.

Whaikaha will be working with the team to stabilise and strengthen its services for the next 12 to 18 months. In late 2024, Whaikaha will undertake a procurement process for suitable agencies to tender for the contract.

If people have any questions or would like to get in touch with the team, please email FCS@whaikaha.govt.nz

More information on the strategy is available on our High and Complex Strategy webpage.