Characteristics of need and risk among women prisoners referred to inreach mental health services

Abstract

High levels of need and complexity were identified in women referred to and accepted by the inreach team in HMP & YOI Bullwood Hall during the first two years of operation. They included mental health problems, personality disorder, substance misuse and social factors. During the first and second years of operation, there were 124 and 194 referrals respectively. Prevalence of substance misuse was high, and a large proportion of women were involved in multi‐drug use. Low mood was the most common reason for referral. The prevalence of intentional self‐injury was high, and was significantly associated with previous suicide attempts, history of abuse and personality disorder traits. A number of factors were identified that compromised effective through‐care to the community, including lack of accommodation and primary care access on release, and that disrupted the connectivity of care. These factors contributed to the social exclusion of this vulnerable group.

Citation

Loughran, M. and Seewoonarain, K. (2005), "Characteristics of need and risk among women prisoners referred to inreach mental health services", The British Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 12-21. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636646200500017