The Department of Human Services (DHS) provides and funds services for people with a disability who are, or at risk of becoming, involved in the criminal justice system. Supports are aimed at preventing offending and minimising the risk of re-offending behaviour, as well as protecting and promoting the rights and responsibilities of people with a disability who come into contact with the criminal justice system. These services are usually provided through the DHS Disability Client Services. See How to get assistance below.

Who can get assistance

You may get assistance if you meet the criteria as determined under the Disability Act 2006. This Act is available from the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents website (External link).

How to get assistance

Contact your regional Disability Intake and Response Service to find out more information about Criminal Justice Services and how to apply.

Information on this page:

• Criminal Justice Practice Manual
• Protocol between Disability Services and Youth Justice and guidelines
• Protocol between Corrections Victoria, Department of Justice and Disability Services, Department of Human Services
• Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 Practice Guidelines 2007
• Enforcement Review Program Guidelines
• Disability Forensic Assessment and Treatment Service Framework

Criminal Justice Practice Manual

The  Criminal Justice Practice Manual (PDF ) provides Disability Services workers with guidelines and practice advice when working with people with a disability involved in the criminal justice system.

The manual is available to download from the the above link. Or alternatively, you can obtain a hard copy by sending an email to disability.services@dhs.vic.gov.au.

Protocol between Disability Services and Youth Justice and guidelines for workers 2009

Disability Services and Youth Justice work collaboratively to support young people with a disability who are involved in the youth justice system.

The Protocol between Disability Services and Youth Justice and guidelines for workers 2009 provides Disability Services workers with guidelines for a collaborative working relationship with Youth Justice.

•  Protocol between Disability Services and Youth Justice and guidelines for workers 2009 (PDF 361.8 kb)
•  Protocol between Disability Services and Youth Justice and guidelines for workers 2009 (Word 521.5 kb)

Protocol between Corrections Victoria, Department of Justice and Disability Services, Department of Human Services

The DHS and the Department of Justice (DOJ) work collaboratively to support people with a disability who are involved in the criminal justice system.

The Protocol between Corrections Victoria, Department of Justice and Disability Services, Department of Human Services provides Disability Services workers with guidelines for a collaborative working relationship with Corrections Victoria when working with people with a disability involved in the criminal justice system.

The protocol is available to download or you can obtain a hard copy by sending an email to disability.services@dhs.vic.gov.au.

•  Protocol between Corrections Victoria, Department of Justice and Disability Services, Department of Human Services (PDF 508.8 kb)
•  Protocol between Corrections Victoria, Department of Justice and Disability Services, Department of Human Services (Word 402.0 kb)

Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 Practice Guidelines 2007

This document provides Disability Services workers with guidelines and practice advice for working with people with a disability involved in the criminal justice system who are unfit to be tried.

The practice guidelines is available to download or you can obtain a hard copy by sending an email to disability.services@dhs.vic.gov.au.

•  Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 Practice Guidelines 2007 (PDF 607.0 kb)
•  Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 Practice Guidelines 2007 (PDF 810.0 kb)

Enforcement Review Program Guidelines

This document provides Disability Services workers with guidelines and practice advice for working with people with a disability who have incurred excessive fines and are seeking to have these revoked.

The program guidelines is available to download or you can obtain a hard copy by sending an email to disability.services@dhs.vic.gov.au.

•  Enforcement Review Program Guidelines (PDF 189.4 kb)
•  Enforcement Review Program Guidelines (PDF 85.5 kb)

Disability Forensic Assessment and Treatment Service

The Disability Forensic Assessment and Treatment Service (DFATS), formerly known as the Statewide Forensic Service, is funded by the Disability Services Division and managed by North and West Metropolitan Region.

DFATS is a statewide disability forensic service that delivers time-limited treatment, support and residential services for people with a disability who display high-risk anti-social behavior and are involved, or at risk of being involved, in the criminal justice system.

Disability Assessment and Treatment Service Framework

The framework has been developed by the Disability Services Division to ensure delivery of timely and quality services, and to support effective monitoring and accountability of services. The framework defines service requirements, and presents a service description and background information about the service.

Further information

For further information about DFATS please call the Disability Services Intake and Response line on 1800 783 783.

Download the Disability Assessment and Treatment Service Framework:

•  Disability Assessment and Treatment Service Framework (PDF 217.6 kb)
•  Disability Assessment and Treatment Service Framework (Word 196.0 kb)

To obtain a hard copy of the framework, send an email to disability.services@dhs.vic.gov.au.

Related information

Search for community support and advocacy services using the Disability Online Service Directory (External link) - information for people with a disability, their families and carers.