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Summary

The Intellectual Disability Mental Health Core Competencies Framework​ outlines what is important from the perspective of people with an intellectual disability, their families and support networks and describes the core attributes required by mental health professionals when working with people with an intellectual disability. It provides guidance for the delivery of quality services to this population group by strengthening professional competence and supporting informed service delivery. The manual is intended for use by the mental health workforce delivering services across the age spectrum.

The manual supports mental health professionalsÌýto assess and respond to mental health problemsÌýin people with an intellectual disability throughÌýproviding a:

• Ìýmeans of self-assessment of current skills andÌýknowledge
  
• framework to support professional developmentÌýplanning; and
  
• guide to available relevant resources, education,Ìýand training material

The development of the manual involved extensive state-wide consultation including:

• an assessment of staff capacity, knowledge andÌýskills when working with people with anÌýintellectual disability
  
• consultation with experts including a DelphiÌýprocess
  
• direct consultation with service directors or theirÌýdelegates to identify and agree on core attributesÌýand structure of the manual; and
  
• an extensive literature review and identificationÌýof key resources.​