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Probation and mental illness
- Authors:
- BROOKER Charlie, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology (The), 23(4), August 2012, pp.522-537.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of mental illness and substance abuse among individuals under probation supervision. An epidemiological survey of mental health was conducted on a randomised sample of people being supervised by probation offices in Lincolnshire on 4 specific days in 2009 and 2010. Overall, 173 individuals were interviewed, and information was gathered about drug and alcohol abuse, personality disorder and mental illness. This article reports on the study findings. The authors estimate that around 39% of individuals in this probation population are suffering from current mental illnesses, with anxiety orders being the most common, and that around 60% have substance abuse problems and around 48% have personality disorders. They conclude that the prevalence of mental health problems in those serving community sentences is high, and argue that there is a need for a national study of the prevalence of mental health disorders in probation populations to inform community-based mental health services for offenders serving supervision orders.
An investigation into the prevalence of mental health disorder and patterns of health service access in a probation population
- Authors:
- BROOKER Charlie, et al
- Publisher:
- University of Lincoln. Criminal Justice and Health Research Group
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 10p.
- Place of publication:
- Lincoln
The aim of this study was to pilot a methodology for assessing the prevalence of mental health disorder and substance misuse amongst offenders under probation supervision in Lincolnshire. The study was divided into 3 stages. Stage 1 investigated the prevalence of mental health disorders, substance misuse and patterns of health service access amongst offenders under probation supervision in Lincolnshire through a series of clinical interviews with a random sample of 173 offenders. Stage 2 compared the findings from the clinical interviews conducted in stage 1 with information in probation case files. This stage aimed to examine the extent to which probation staff are aware of and recording offenders’ mental health and substance misuse problems and the nature of any action taken to address these. Stage 3 consisted of 20 qualitative interviews with probation staff and offenders to investigate both enablers to and barriers to health service access for offenders. The findings show that many offenders’ health needs are unmet and that there are a number of ongoing barriers to access to health services for offenders, particularly for those with complex needs. The methodological learning from this pilot study is discussed.