Referral Path for Survivors of Torture

Process for Initial (Medical) Assessments

• Referrals for Initial Assessments are accepted from AMOs/GPs and health professionals by the completion of a specific form for medical assessments.
• SPIRASI does not accept referrals for Initial Assessments from legal representatives. These should be routed through medical channels.
• The SPIRASI CCST Remit Panel adjudicates on the appropriateness of the referral, they may:
  • ask for further clarification
  • decide that SPIRASI is not best placed to assist the client
  • offer the applicant an appointment for an Initial Assessment
• This assessment could involve further contact with the referring professional or GP, and referral for internal or external therapeutic services. These services are offered free of charge.
• Internal services could be therapeutic/psychosocial/vocational in nature; this does not constitute a Medico-legal Assessment and no Medico-legal Report will be compiled. 
• If medical staff believe a Medico-Legal Report could benefit their client please direct the client to their solicitor so that a Medico-Legal Assessment request can be made.

Process for Medico-legal Referrals.

• Referrals for a Medico-legal Report can only be forwarded to SPIRASI, by the asylum applicant's legal representative through the completion of a specific form for medico-legal reports.
• The SPIRASI CCST Remit Panel adjudicates on the appropriateness of the referral. They may:
  • ask for further clarification
  • decide while a report can be written it may not be beneficial to the applicant
  • feel that a referral does not conform to SPIRASI's remit
  • offer the applicant an appointment for a medico-legal assessment
• A Medico-legal Appointment takes approximately 90 minutes.
• Prior to the compilation of a Medico-legal Report the legal representative must forward written evidence that sanction for a report has been received from The Legal Aid Board.
• All asylum seekers are entitled to free legal aid through the Refugee Legal Services. When clients access legal services in this way and a report is requested, payment of the report will be by The Legal Aid Board and not the client.
• Private referrals - referrals coming through private solicitors incur a fee if a Medico-legal report is requested.

If you have any queries about the torture care services provided by SPIRASI, referring someone to our service or any other related issue, please do not hesitate to contact client services on 01-8389664 or email info@spirasi.ie.