The Briefing: calls for nation-wide cognitive disability screening of prisoners

Crux of the matter

In a landmark reform agenda, the Victorian Public Advocate has called for nation-wide cognitive disability screening for prisoners and a series of accompanying support services.

Victorian Public Advocate unveils major reform agenda

Released February 26, the Victorian Office of the Public Advocate’s (OPA) ‘Decision Time: Activating the rights of adults with cognitive disability’ aims to ensure Australia fully meets its United Nations obligations for people with disability within five years.

OPA, which was established in 1986, promotes the rights, interests and dignity of people with disability (specifically intellectual impairment, mental illness, brain injury, physical disability or dementia) living in Victoria by:

• acting as guardian when appointed by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to make decisions in the best interests of a person with disability,
• providing advice, education and information to the public, and to health, human services and legal professionals,
• undertaking research and strategic advocacy to improve laws, policies and the delivery of services that affect people with disability,
• supporting people with...