Procedure for establishing a special interest group:

1. (a) any member wishing to establish a special interest group should write to the Registrar with relevant details;

2. (b) the Registrar will forward the application to Council;

3. (c) if Council approves the application on principle it will direct the Registrar to place a notice in the Bulletin, or its equivalent, asking members of the College to write in support of such a group and expressing willingness to participate in its activities;

4. (d) if at least 120 members reply to this notice, Council will formally approve the establishment of the group concerned.

In accordance with this procedure, Council has approved application for the establishment of a Special Interest Group in Child and Adolescent Forensic Psychiatry, to provide a focus within the College for this area of practice. The aim is to facilitate the common goals and objectives of the Child and Adolescent and Forensic Psychiatry Faculties in times of great change, with the current focus on the development of child and adolescent mental health services and the high profile of youth justice matters. In addition, it is anticipated that a special interest group in this area will draw in the expertise of members working in other specialities, such as learning disability and addiction in young offenders.

Members are invited to write in support of this group and express interest in participating in its activities. Interested members should write to Miss Sue Duncan at the College. If 120 members reply to this notice, then Council will formally approve the establishment of the group.