Understanding systemic problems in providing mental health services to people with an intellectual disability and co-morbid mental disorders in Victoria

Objective: This paper explores the difficulties the services system in Victoria has in responding to people with intellectual disability (ID) and mental health problems and identifies the underlying assumptions that have led to these. These issues are discussed and where possible put into a Victorian context with the intention of informing service development in the area of Dual Disability (co-morbid mental disorders in people with intellectual disability). Conclusions: People with ID have high levels of mental health need. Generic services have difficulty responding to these needs due to a range of patient, professional and service system factors as well as some of the conceptual issues underpinning policy and legislation.