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Abstract

Objective:

To scope the history of forensic mental health services in Western Australia since colonisation.

Method:

A range of primary sources, including archives, reports, and oral histories was consulted.

Results:

Forensic mental health services were identified as historically poorly managed, under-resourced, and inconsistently delivered.

Conclusions:

Current problems with forensic mental health services may be linked to historical factors.

Keywords

forensic psychiatry Western Australia history

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