About the Forensic Outreach Liaison Service (FOLS)

The Forensic Outreach Liaison Service (FOLS) supports adults aged 18 and over who have a learning disability and/or an autism diagnosis and who are either involved in, or at risk of becoming involved in, the criminal justice system.

Established in March 2021, FOLS is a specialist service working across North East Lincolnshire, providing support in both hospital (in‑patient) and community settings.

We work alongside you to ensure the care and support you receive is appropriate, personalised, and shaped around your individual needs.
Information for Patients and Carers

Information for Patients and Carers

What the FOLS Team does

All our care and support is based on your individual needs.

We:

• Provide an initial consultation to ensure we are the right Team for you
• Complete risk assessments and develop risk management strategies to support safety for you and others
• Provide in‑reach support for people in hospital, including timely, well‑coordinated discharge planning
• Work collaboratively with a range of partner agencies and services
• Support people living in the community by offering advice and guidance around:
  • Community‑based options
  • Risk management strategies
  • Reasonable adjustments
• Provide access to offence‑specific interventions and training through our wider forensic team

All training and support is tailored to improve outcomes for individuals and to strengthen confidence and understanding for professionals working with people who have forensic needs.

How We Work

We use a multidisciplinary approach, working closely with a wide range of professionals. We link in with other providers and key stakeholders to ensure your support is co‑ordinated, joined‑up, and reflects what you need.

This collaborative way of working helps ensure the right support is provided at the right time, whether you are in hospital or living in the community.

Why You May Have Been Referred

You may have been referred to the FOLS Team if:

• You have had contact with, or are at risk of contact with, the criminal justice system
• There is a high risk of offending or behaviours that may lead to offending
• You are currently serving a custodial sentence or are detained under the Mental Health Act and require support to move from a secure setting into the community
• You have completed a custodial sentence or have been discharged from a secure hospital and require ongoing community‑based forensic support

What Happens After a Referral

Once a referral is received:

1. Your referral will be discussed within our Multi‑Disciplinary Team (MDT)
2. If FOLS is the right service, we will arrange to meet with you and those involved in your support
3. We will discuss:
   • The support we can offer
   • What this support will look like moving forward
4. You may need more than one meeting to complete an initial assessment
5. Recommendations and advice will be shared with you and relevant professionals involved in your care

Making a Referral

If you wish to make a referral to a community forensic team within the Humber and North Yorkshire Provider Collaborative, please contact the Single Point of Access (SPA):

📞 SPA Telephone: 01482 478702

This is the referral route for community forensic services.

How to Contact Us

For general enquiries or further information about the FOLS Team:

📞 Telephone:
01472 571 100 Option 4

📧 Email:
CPG.FOLS@nhs.net

📍 FOLS Team Base:
Val Waterhouse Centre
41–43 Kent Street
Grimsby
DN32 7DH