Background and context

The Northern Territory (NT) Community Visitor Program (CVP) is an independent statutory service, established under the Mental Health and Related Services Act 1998 (MHRSA) and the Disability Services Act 1993 (DSA).

The CVP’s core role is to protect the rights of persons receiving treatment under both of these Acts, which, under the DSA, relates to supervised persons with complex cognitive disabilities who have been found ‘unfit to plead’ under the NT Criminal Code Act 1983.

In broad terms, the CVP has advocacy, monitoring, inspection, and complaint handling functions, working from a rights-based, person-centred approach.

The full strategic plan can be read here

Vision

A Northern Territory where the human rights and dignity of people affected by mental illness or cognitive disability are respected, protected and promoted.

Purpose

To independently monitor, advocate, and respond to the experiences of persons receiving services under the MHRSA and the DSA, ensuring rights are upheld through listening, resolving complaints, and systemic oversight.

Values

Respect: We value diverse perspectives and uphold privacy, inclusion, and cultural safety.

Empowerment: We support people; through understanding, validation and hope.

Courage: We speak up and act with integrity, even when it's difficult.

Independence and Integrity: We act ethically, impartially, and transparently.

Strategic Objectives