ADF Framework of Critical Incident Mental Health Support (CMS)

Processes for dealing with critical incidents, or potentially traumatizing events, have been in place in the ADF since the early 1990's. Originally there were only single service policies, but one of the key early goals of the ADF Mental Health Strategy has been the development of Tri-Service, multi-disciplinary policies in a number of areas, including how the ADF responds to these events.

In 2002 the ADF contracted the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health to review the literature in the field and identify what was best practice for implantation in the ADF. A comprehensive consultation process involving mental health key stakeholders in the ADF and the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, led to the development on the CMS framework.

This framework is more flexible catering better to the needs of commanders and ADF personnel while ensuring that best practice clinical interventions are provided where required. Key elements in the CMS framework are more comprehensive screening of individuals to determine the needs of individuals, a clear role for chaplains in dealing with the spiritual issues that are often a major part of dealing with these types of incidents (including the grief associated with the loss that is often involved), and an assertive follow up process that addresses one of the major deficits of the previous model.

Health Bulletin 01/2005 details the process and while the process has been supported by all three services, a DI(G) is being staffed through the single service policy areas in Defence to ensure that the process has formal endorsement. Importantly, the framework includes an evaluation process in order to monitor the effectiveness of CMS and ensure continuous improvement of the process to ensure that ADF members always have available to them best practice in dealing with the possible mental health consequences of exposure to trauma.

8 August, 2008