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Date: April 30, 2024 Tue
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Results for mentally ill
19 results foundAuthor: Carswell, Sue Title: Evaluation of the Mental Health Initiative at the Rotorua Police Station Summary: The Police Consult/Liaison Nurse position at Rotorua Station (New Zealand) was regarded by interviewees as very effective for the timely assessment and facilitation of treatment for detainees/arrestees and was thought to contribute to better outcomes for these people. While the co-location of a mental health nurse with police provided the opportunities for effective intervention it was undoubtedly the way the Police Consult/Liaison Nurse at Rotorua developed and implemented her role that made it a success. Details: Wellington: New Zealand Police, 2008. 105p. Source: Year: 2008 Country: New Zealand URL: Shelf Number: 117816 Keywords: Mental Health ServicesMentally IllMentally Ill Offenders |
Author: McLeod, Rosie Title: Court Experience of Adults With Mental Disabilities and Limited Mental Capacity Summary: In-depth interviews were conducted with people with mental health conditions, learning disabilities and limited mental capacity, who had been victims or witnesses in criminal proceedings, or parties in civil or family law cases. Carers, court staff and other key stakeholders also took part. The report is published in six volumes: 1) Overview and recommendations; 2) Before court; 3) At court; 4) After court; 5)Policy processes, services and practices; and 6)Technical report. Details: London: Ministry of Justice, 2010. 6 vols. Source: Internet Resource: Ministry of Justice Research Series 8/10: Accessed August 19, 2010 at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/court-experiences-adults-mental-health.htm Year: 2010 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/court-experiences-adults-mental-health.htm Shelf Number: 118807 Keywords: Criminal Courts (U.K.)Learning DisabilitiesMentally IllVictims of CrimeWitnesses |
Author: Katz, Charles M. Title: Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Among Recently Booked Arrestees Summary: This special topic report examines the prevalence and characteristics of co-occurring substance abuse and mental health problems among adult arrestees in Maricopa County. The findings suggest that more than 28 percent of adult arrestees in Maricopa County are at risk for a co-occurring disorder, and they face significantly greater difficulties across a number of critical factors, including incarceration, homelessness, and victimization. Details: Phoenix, AZ: Center for Crime Prevention and Community Safety, 2008. 16p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 22, 2010 at: http://cvpcs.asu.edu/aarin/aarin-reports-1/co-occurring-disorder-addendum/co-occurring-final-sept-2008.pdf/view Year: 2008 Country: United States URL: http://cvpcs.asu.edu/aarin/aarin-reports-1/co-occurring-disorder-addendum/co-occurring-final-sept-2008.pdf/view Shelf Number: 113575 Keywords: Drug Abuse and CrimeDrug OffendersMentally IllSubstance Abuse |
Author: Boyer, Debra Title: Ethnographic Assessment of Homeless Street Populations Summary: The category “chronic homelessness” emerges from a pattern of social inequities and individual problems that are situated within convergent domains of homelessness and street-based lifestyles and activities. Defining “chronic homelessness” as a stand-alone category has proven useful from a policy perspective, but they are a subset of the street population and occupy one point on a continuum of homelessness. Observable street populations extend beyond the chronic homeless population, and face challenges to their livelihood presented by poverty and a lack of affordable housing. It has been shown that significant numbers of people who are housed continue to use homeless- targeted services. The National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (NSHAPC) completed in the mid-1990’s included data collected from homeless programs in 76 metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. Analysis of the sample indicated that among those interviewed, 54 percent were homeless. Twenty-two percent were not currently homeless, but had been in the past. The remaining 24 percent were not currently homeless, but used services that were provided for the homeless. These data speak to the fluidity of the sheltered/unsheltered boundary and call for understanding the needs and characteristics of more broadly defined street populations. · What other groups comprise the observable street population? · Are they homeless? · What factors contribute to homelessness across chronic street populations? Service providers, police officers, and individuals experiencing homelessness concur that a majority of the visible street population are homeless. That they are homeless is not the end of the story; the visible reality of the street homeless population as a whole requires a clearer differentiation of its subgroups for broader policy application. Perceived homeless street populations can be differentiated along several dimensions including: stages of homelessness, street activity, criminal activity, drug use, mental illness, survival skills, vulnerability to victimization, and subculture association. Subgroups and stand-alone categories of homelessness have other characteristics and attributes that generate questions regarding the anticipated impact of policy initiatives directed toward visible street populations. These questions include: · Is homelessness the most significant group characteristic? · Will housing modify street based activity? · Where are groups located on a homeless continuum? · What service parameters are relevant for each subgroup? · What types of housing and supportive services are appropriate? · What are specific system coordination needs for subgroups? The primary focus of this assessment is the broader street population. The differences between subsets of street-based and homeless groups are discussed within the context of the chronic homeless initiative, the potential impact on visible street populations, and implications for policy and practice. Details: Seattle, WA: United Way of King County, 2008. 48p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 7, 2011 at: http://www.uwkc.org/assets/files/research-and-reports/ethnographic-assessment-of.pdf Year: 2008 Country: United States URL: http://www.uwkc.org/assets/files/research-and-reports/ethnographic-assessment-of.pdf Shelf Number: 120698 Keywords: DrunkennessHomelessnessMentally Ill |
Author: Wilson-Bates, Fiona Title: Lost in Transition: How a Lack of Capacity in the Mental Health System in Failing Vancouver's Mentally Ill and Draining Police Resources Summary: The purpose of this report is to provide a quantitative analysis of the prevalence of Vancouver Police Department (VPD) calls for service that involve mentally ill clients; to identify the significant factors that contribute to the frequency of these incidents, and the potential consequences for a mentally ill person who comes into contact with police; and to describe the capacity gaps in the mental health system’s response to the mentally ill from a police perspective. Details: Vancouver, BC: Vancouver Police Department, 2008. 59p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 7, 2011 at: http://vancouver.ca/police/assets/pdf/reports-policies/vpd-lost-in-transition.pdf Year: 2008 Country: Canada URL: http://vancouver.ca/police/assets/pdf/reports-policies/vpd-lost-in-transition.pdf Shelf Number: 120701 Keywords: Mental Health ServicesMentally IllPolice Services for the Mentally Ill |
Author: Toronto Police Service. Use of Force Committee Title: Use of Force Committee: Final Report Summary: In May, 1997, the Chief of Police, David Boothby, established a committee to review all aspects of police use of force. The mandate of the Committee was, “to examine if there are ways to reduce the necessity for the application of deadly force, without compromising officer safety, and to communicate findings to the public (TP Media Release, 97.06.16).” Staff Inspector Ken Cenzura was named chair. The Use of Force Committee was comprised of representatives from the Training and Education Unit, the Emergency Task Force, Public Safety Unit, Corporate Planning, Operational Support Command, the Chief’s Staff, Detective Support Command, and the Field Commands. As well, the Service’s Forensic Consultant, Dr Peter Collins, and Constable Andrew Clarke, Toronto Police Association, participated. The use of deadly force by police in recent years has come under closer scrutiny by the police and the community. The issues surrounding such use of force are complex and have generated much debate and concern. At the outset it must be stated that the safety of police officers is recognized as a fundamental concern and this report and subsequent recommendations are not intended to compromise that safety in any way. Indeed, the issue of officer and community safety formed the foundation for the Committee’s work. This report also takes into account that there are no philosophies or practises which will anticipate the entire range of human behaviour that officers might encounter in the course of police work. Nevertheless, the Committee recognizes its responsibility to explore any reasonable option if it may help officers cope with violent or potentially violent situations. The Committee has conducted extensive research into this topic by contacting many other police agencies in Canada, the United States and Australia. Further research was conducted by reviewing the literature, academic studies, correspondence, books and publications associated with the use of deadly force, less lethal weapons and dealing with emotionally disturbed persons. While much of the empirical data had been collected outside of Canada, many of the lessons learned from the research have equal application to law enforcement in our country. A survey of front line officers representing the field command was conducted resulting in valuable input touching on the issues identified by the Committee. As well, the Committee collected data on officer involved shootings in Toronto during the past 10 years, which allows an analytical study of these incidents to be completed. The Training and Education Unit was tasked with reviewing current training dealing with crisis resolution. As a result a proposed course was drafted that attempts to incorporate the findings of the Committee. The course is designed to meet the needs of front line officers. The emphasis will be upon identification and transition from one force option to another force option within the context of the scenario, thus establishing versatility and flexibility in crisis resolution techniques. While recognizing that officer safety is the critical concern, the course will balance the emphasis placed on force options between escalation and disengagement and containment responses. A broad spectrum of issues was identified including the nature and availability of rules and directives, training and equipment, Service resources and support, community and professional resources and support; and reliable internal information and data. The Committee undertook to respond to the following six areas which have become the Committee’s terms of reference. 1. Development of and Compliance with Rules & Directives. 2. Supervision. 3. Development and Implementation of Appropriate Training. 4. Identification of Less Lethal Force Options. 5. Dealing with Emotionally Disturbed Persons. 6. Expansion of Emergency Task Force Special Weapons Teams. The Committee worked from May 1997 to March 1998. It found that experiences faced by our organization, in relation to officer involved shootings, mirror those of other law enforcement agencies and therefore validate the research and research methods of the Committee. Consequently, to address the findings, 31 recommendations, grouped according to the Terms of Reference, are proposed. The Committee is of the view that some of the recommendations can be implemented immediately with minimal impact on the operating budget. The remaining recommendations have financial implications totalling $2.39 million, which may affect scheduling. However, with their implementation, the Committee is convinced these recommendations will enhance officer and community safety, thereby promoting public confidence in our Service. Details: Toronto: Toronto Police Service, 1998. 119p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed march 16, 2011 at: http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/publications/files/reports/1998useofforce.pdf Year: 1998 Country: Canada URL: http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/publications/files/reports/1998useofforce.pdf Shelf Number: 121025 Keywords: Mentally IllPolice AdministrationPolice TrainingPolice Use of Force (Toronto) |
Author: Harcourt, Bernard Title: Reducing Mass Incarceration: Lessons from the Deinstitutionalization of Mental Hospitals in the 1960s Summary: In 1963, President Kennedy outlined a federal program designed to reduce by half the number of persons in custody in mental hospitals. What followed was the biggest deinstitutionalization this country has ever seen. The historical record is complex and the contributing factors are several, but one simple fact remains: This country has deinstitutionalized before. As we think about reducing mass incarceration today, it may be useful to recall some lessons from the past. After tracing the historical background, this essay explores three potential avenues to reduce mass incarceration: First, improving mental health treatment to inmates and exploring the increased use of medication, on a voluntary basis, as an alternative to incarceration; in a similar vein, increasing the use of GPS monitoring and other biometric monitoring, and moving toward the legalization of lesser controlled substances. Second, encouraging federal leadership to create funding incentives for diversionary programs that would give states a financial motive to move prisoners out of the penitentiary and into community-based programs. Third, encouraging impact litigation of prison overcrowding, as well as documentaries of prison life, as a way to influence the public perception of prisoners. With regard to each of these strategies, however, it is crucial to avoid the further racialization of the prison population and merely transferring prisoners to equally problematic institutions. Details: Chicago: University of Chicago Law School, 2011. 36p. Source: Internet Resource: University of Chicago Law & Economics, Olin Working Paper No. 542 University of Chicago, Public Law Working Paper No. 335: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1748796 Year: 2011 Country: United States URL: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1748796 Shelf Number: 122414 Keywords: DeinstitutionalizationImprisonment (U.S.)JailsMass IncarcerationMental HealthMentally IllPrisons |
Author: St. Mungo's Title: Battered, Broken, Bereft: Why People Still End Up Sleeping Rough Summary: Three out of five outreach workers across the country say they are seeing an increasing number of rough sleepers, according to new research published today by homelessness charity St Mungo's. Moreover, almost three quarters (71%) of those surveyed did not believe that there was enough emergency accommodation for rough sleepers in their area The figures come from a new report ‘Battered, broken, bereft - why people still end up rough sleeping' - Battered broken bereft St Mungos rough sleeping report October 2011 This includes findings from the first ever survey of outreach workers across England as well as statistics from St Mungo's survey of its 1,500 clients - the largest survey of homeless people of its kind. The report highlights relationship breakdowns, domestic violence and mental health conditions as three of the main traumas leading people to sleep rough on the streets today: •Relationship breakdown is the largest single trigger of rough sleeping cited by outreach workers, leading to 42% of male rough sleeping. •Among women, 35% slept rough after leaving home to escape domestic violence. •Perhaps the most shocking finding is that 57% of outreach workers believe that the number of rough sleepers in their area with mental health problems has increased over the last five years. Details: London: St. Mongo's, 2011. 16p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 8, 2011 at: www.mungos.org/documents/7269 Year: 2011 Country: United Kingdom URL: Shelf Number: 123259 Keywords: Domestic ViolenceHomelessness (U.K.)Mentally IllPoverty |
Author: Baldry, Eileen Title: Lifecourse Institutional Costs of Homelessness for Vulnerable Groups Summary: There is a dearth of empirical research in Australia examining the lifecourse institutional costs associated with vulnerable people who are homeless. Evidence has been mounting that vulnerable groups, in particular persons with mental health disorders and cognitive disability (MHDCD) who experience clusters of disadvantageous circumstances, are over-represented amongst those coming to the attention of police and being serially arrested and incarcerated. People in these groups are more likely to use alcohol and other drugs and be homeless or marginally housed. Persons in this group are often caught in a vicious criminal justice cycle (Baldry et al 2006) with the costs to the person and the community estimated to be very high (Burt 2003; Edwards et al 2009; Flatau et al 2008; Gulcur et al 2003; Mental Health Coordinating Council 2008). But there has been little empirical pathway costing done. The study presented here has developed pathway costings using the Mental Health and Cognitive Disability in the Criminal Justice System (MHDCD) Dataset that contains data on lifelong interventions and interactions with all criminal justice and some human services agencies that are available for a cohort of 2,731 people who have been in prison in NSW and whose MHDCD diagnoses are known. This study’s purpose is to contribute to understanding the real costs associated with this group’s homelessness and criminal justice involvement and to alternative policy and program responses. Merging data across criminal justice sub-systems and with relevant human services is a useful way to provide a broad, dynamic understanding of the trans-criminal justice and human service involvement of persons with complex needs. This study takes an empirical approach to calculating the economic costs of the pathways of eleven individuals who have cycled in and out of homelessness, using the MHDCD Dataset containing their interactions with housing, health, community services and criminal justice agencies. 1 This institutional contact was costed by working with the relevant criminal justice and human service agencies to develop methods of measurement to ascertain unit costs. The cost of each unit of intervention or service recorded in our data - for example, being taken into custody by Police or being given rent assistance by Housing - was calculated across agency and by age, and total costs compiled. Lifecourse institutional costs for the 11 case studies, currently aged between 23 and 55, range from around $900,000 to $5.5 million. The economic costs to government are significant, as are the social and human costs. Whilst each individual story reflects the impacts of particular conditions and experiences, together the case studies highlight the breadth and depth of social need and disadvantage experienced by these individuals, as well as the complex and compounding interactions between them. In almost every case discussed, significant disadvantage, vulnerability and risk factors are obvious from early adolescence and, for several individuals from childhood, yet care and protection and early intervention do not occur in any substantial or sustained way. The evidence is stark that this early lack of adequate services is associated with costly criminal justice, health and homelessness interactions and interventions later in their lives. Millions of dollars in crisis and criminal justice interventions continue to be spent on these vulnerable individuals whose needs would have been better addressed in early support or currently in a health, rehabilitation or community space. It is obvious that access to integrated and responsive support services including drug and alcohol support, mental health and disability services or other psycho-social forms of support is needed. The provision of secure housing and support for an individual to maintain a tenancy appears a key factor in higher criminal justice and emergency services costs. Early and well-timed interventions to establish and maintain secure housing and associated support services could significantly reduce the need for the future years of criminal justice interventions. This study, while focused on the economic costs across the lifecourse associated with vulnerable people who are homeless, does not capture all possible costs to government or to society more generally. There are other elements to the costs of homelessness which the information contained in the MHDCD Dataset could contribute to in future research studies, such as the costs to the individuals, their families and the broader community, the costs of crime, opportunity costs, and cost-benefit research. The policy implications of this study are: • The atomised and singular manner in which homeless persons with complex compounded needs are addressed by most agencies is extremely costly and counterproductive. Early holistic support is crucial for disadvantaged children with cognitive disabilities and/or mental health disorders who are homeless or in unstable housing. • Provision of skilled disability supported accommodation and education early in life would save significant spending on homelessness and criminal justice interventions later in life. • System incentives to cost-shift should be eliminated. • There is evidence of avoidance of working with complex and poorly housed children and adults by human service agencies resulting in criminal justice services, particularly Police, being used as frontline child protection, housing, mental and cognitive disability services. • A significant change in the way government human service agencies approach this small but extremely costly group of persons is required. The evidence from this project suggests that robust, holistic, cross portfolio support and intervention resonses fit for purpose (eg appropriate and adequate disability support with housing) are needed. Details: Sydney, AUS: School of Social Sciences, University of New South Wales, 2012. 122p. Source: Internet Resource: https://homelessnessclearinghouse.govspace.gov.au/files/2012/10/Lifecourse-Institutional-Costs-of-Homelessness-final-report.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Australia URL: https://homelessnessclearinghouse.govspace.gov.au/files/2012/10/Lifecourse-Institutional-Costs-of-Homelessness-final-report.pdf Shelf Number: 126889 Keywords: DisabilityEconomics of CrimeHomeless PersonsHomelessness (Australia)Mentally Ill |
Author: Consortium for Risk-Based Firearm Policy Title: Guns, Public Health, and Mental Illness: An Evidence-Based Approach for State Policy Summary: This report calls for strengthening current policies banning access to firearms for people with histories of involuntary treatment for mental illness. But the recommendations also offer a new "risk-based" paradigm to supercede the long-established model of gun rights restrictions focused on mental health. The report calls for temporary restrictions of up to five years on the purchase and possession of firearms by individuals convicted of violent misdemeanors, domestic violence, or more than one drug or alcohol conviction within a certain period - all of which are behaviors that demonstrate an elevated risk of violence, even when not accompanied by a record of mental illness, according to research cited in the report. Details: Consortium for Risk-Based Firearm Policy, 2013. 52p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 23, 2014 at: http://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/johns-hopkins-center-for-gun-policy-and-research/publications/GPHMI-State.pdf Year: 2013 Country: United States URL: http://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/johns-hopkins-center-for-gun-policy-and-research/publications/GPHMI-State.pdf Shelf Number: 132146 Keywords: Firearms and CrimeGun ControlGun PolicyGun ViolenceMentally Ill |
Author: Torrey, E. Fuller Title: Justifiable Homicides by Law Enforcement Officers: What is the Role of Mental Illness? Summary: As a consequence of the failed mental illness treatment system, an increasing number of individuals with untreated serious mental illness are encountering law enforcement officers, sometimes with tragic results. "Justifiable homicides," in which an individual is killed by a law enforcement officer in the line of duty, may occur when criminals are being pursued, as in a bank robbery, or when an officer is threatened with a weapon, in other situations. We assessed available data on justifiable homicides between 1980 and 2008 and found the following: - Although the total number of justifiable homicides decreased by 5% between 1980 and 2008, those resulting from an attack on a law enforcement officer increased by 67%, from an average of 153 to 255 such homicides per year. - Although no national data is collected, multiple informal studies and accounts support the conclusion that "at least half of the people shot and killed by police each year in this country have mental health problems." - There are suggestions that many of the mentally ill individuals who were shot were not taking their medications. Some of them were also well-known to the law enforcement officers from previous encounters. - Studies suggest that approximately one-third of the shootings by law enforcement officers results from the victim attempting to commit "suicide-by-cop." - The transfer of responsibility for persons with mental illness from mental health professionals to law enforcement officers is both illogical and unfair and harms both the patients and the officers. In view of these conditions, it is recommended that: - The Department of Justice resolve to collect more complete and detailed information on justifiable homicides. - Mental health agencies be clearly assigned the ultimate responsibility for the care of persons with mental illness in their communities and held accountable for providing it. - More widespread use be made of assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) under which at-risk individuals who meet criteria established by the state are court-ordered to remain in treatment as a condition of living in the community - in the 45 states where it is authorized. - The five states without AOT laws on their books (Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Tennessee) enact and use them. Details: Arlington, VA: Treatment Advocacy Center and National Sheriffs' Association, 2013. 20p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 7, 2014 at: http://tacreports.org/storage/documents/2013-justifiable-homicides.pdf Year: 2013 Country: United States URL: http://tacreports.org/storage/documents/2013-justifiable-homicides.pdf Shelf Number: 132264 Keywords: HomicidesMental Health ServicesMentally IllMentally Ill OffendersPolice Use of Force |
Author: American University. Washington College of Law. Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law Title: Torture in Healthcare Settings: Reflections on the Special Rapporteur on Torture's 2013 Thematic Report Summary: xiii Foreword As part of its mission to create new tools and strategies for the creative advancement of international human rights norms, in 2012, the Center for Human Rights & Humanitarian Law at American University Washington College of Law and WCL Visiting Professor Juan E. Mendez, created The Anti-Torture Initiative (ATI). The ATI supports the mandate of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment (SRT), a position which Professor Mendez holds. The ATI monitors and assesses the implementation of the SRT's country-specific and thematic recommendations, develops effective follow-up models for expanded implementation for SRT recommendations, and supports the creative advancement of the SRT mandate to end torture worldwide. The publication of this volume, Torture in Healthcare Settings: Reflections on the Special Rapporteur on Torture's 2013 Thematic Report, is one such creative model. It is a first-of-its-kind compilation, which seeks to follow-up and expand upon a thematic report by the SRT. The volume asks a wide variety of stakeholders and thought-leaders to reflect on the SRT's 2013 report on Torture and Ill-Treatment in Health Care Settings (A/HRC/22/53), and to provide a critique and analysis to help promote discussion of the myriad of important issues raised in the report. Details: Washington, DC: Center for Human Rights & Humanitarian Law, 2014. 346p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 8, 2014 at: http://antitorture.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/PDF_Torture_in_Healthcare_Publication.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: http://antitorture.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/PDF_Torture_in_Healthcare_Publication.pdf Shelf Number: 132286 Keywords: Health CareMental HealthMentally IllTorture |
Author: Sowerwine, Sam Title: Sentencing contradictions - Difficulties faced by people living with mental illness in contact with the criminal justice system Summary: This discussion paper focuses on the need to ensure the diversion of people who are homeless and those with a mental illness out of the criminal justice system. Where such diversion does not occur, sentencing options should be focused on addressing the underlying causes of criminal activity. There is a public interest in reducing recidivism and supporting 'justice reinvestment' approaches that move funds away from more expensive, end-of-process crime control options, such as incarceration, towards programs that target the factors that cause offenders to commit crime. This reinvestment should take place both internally and external to the criminal justice system. However, it is imperative that community service organisations - generally the core service providers of such programs - are adequately resourced. There is also a need for specially tailored services to meet the complex needs of people with mental illness. For this reason, it is important that treatment and care under diversionary programs take a multi-disciplinary and multi-stranded approach. Details: Sydney: Public Interest Advocacy Centre, Ltd., 2013. 30p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 8, 2014 at: http://www.piac.asn.au/sites/default/files/publications/extras/13.10.15_sentencing_contradictions_-_difficulties_faced_by_people_living_with_mental_illness_and_the_criminal_justice_system_-_briefing_paper.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Australia URL: http://www.piac.asn.au/sites/default/files/publications/extras/13.10.15_sentencing_contradictions_-_difficulties_faced_by_people_living_with_mental_illness_and_the_criminal_justice_system_-_briefing_paper.pdf Shelf Number: 132288 Keywords: Alternatives to IncarcerationHomeless PersonsHomelessness (Australia)Justice ReinvestmentMentally IllMentally Ill Offenders |
Author: Great Britain. Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary Title: The Welfare of vulnerable people in police custody Summary: Every day, the police in England and Wales are required to respond to the widest possible range of human behaviour and conditions. One moment they might be seeking a place of safety for an abandoned child, or for a person suffering from mental health problems who is confused and vulnerable; the next, they could be arresting an armed criminal. In some cases, people may be both offenders and in need of care. Vulnerability can be a trigger for crime or it can make people more likely to be victims of crime. The task that we ask of our police officers in making the distinction between the need for care and the requirements of justice is therefore both highly complex, and crucial if we are to ensure that vulnerable adults and children in our society do not become criminalised for want of a more appropriate response. The bricks and mortar of the custody suite and the police cell do not, and cannot make this distinction. As a result, some of the most vulnerable in our society may be subject to the same physical conditions and treatment as some of the most harmful. Police officers are civilians in uniform, possessing and discharging powers given to them freely by the consent of the communities they serve. There can be no greater power invested in a civilian than the power to take away the liberty of the citizen; nor can there be a stronger illustration of the power and trust invested in the police. The way that officers and staff engage with people in their custody or care therefore, has a most significant effect on the legitimacy with which the police are viewed, both by those detained, and by wider society. Future co-operation as witnesses to crime, or trust in the police as a victim of crime, may also be dependent on these contacts with the service. This being the case, the attitude and actions of the police - whether on the front line or in custody - are of paramount importance in ensuring that the very different needs of all those they encounter are met by the most appropriate agency. For those members of the public taken into custody, there are risks of harm from the experience of detention itself. They may also pose a risk to themselves and/or to others. All of these risks must be managed effectively by officers and staff with the relevant specialist expertise, who must communicate effectively, implement good standards of care, follow the law and work proactively with other agencies to ensure the right protection is put in place for vulnerable detainees, both in and following police custody. The primary purpose of the police is the prevention of crime and disorder. Other public agencies also have responsibilities in this regard. It is important to reiterate that the care of those who are vulnerable and at risk of coming to police attention is not the responsibility of the police alone. As this report emphasises, each service with a role to play in helping these individuals - including health, mental health, social and housing services - must fully and properly discharge its responsibilities, so that the police do not become the default response for vulnerable people in crisis. Details: London: HMIC, 2015. 212p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 15, 2015 at: http://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmic/wp-content/uploads/the-welfare-of-vulnerable-people-in-police-custody.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmic/wp-content/uploads/the-welfare-of-vulnerable-people-in-police-custody.pdf Shelf Number: 135211 Keywords: DetaineesInmatesMentally IllMinority GroupsPolice BehaviorPolice CustodyPrisoners (U.K.) |
Author: Harris, Kristine Title: 'A Secret Punishment' - the misuse of segregation in immigration detention Summary: This report reveals that a disturbing number of sick immigration detainees are put in segregation indiscriminately. Medical Justice are calling for an immediate halt to the use of segregation in immigration detention. Immigration detainees may be detained indefinitely despite not having committed any crime - putting them in segregation adds to their trauma. Between 1,200 and 4,800 detainees are segregated each year in immigration detention. Alarmingly there is little central monitoring of the use of segregation. This dossier draws on the cases of 15 detainees assisted by Medical Justice. One woman became mentally ill as a result of being detained for 17 months. During this time she was handcuffed and held in segregation on many occasions to prevent her self-harming. The High Court found her detention amounted to 'inhuman and degrading treatment'. This dossier reveals that the damaging physical and psychological impact of segregation is widely recognised. Its misuse has been repeatedly criticised by official inspectorates yet the abuses continue. It is overused, applied inappropriately and often contravenes the rules. Findings include: - One detainee held in segregation for 22 months - One schizophrenic detainee died in segregation - One person was segregated eight times during 800 days of detention - One detainee was segregated for nine days purely because they were a child - One woman was assaulted with a riot shield while being taken to segregation Details: London: Medical Justice, 2015. 116p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 5, 2015 at: http://www.medicaljustice.org.uk/images/stories/reports/SecretPunishment.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.medicaljustice.org.uk/images/stories/reports/SecretPunishment.pdf Shelf Number: 137197 Keywords: Immigrant DetentionImmigrantsImmigrationImmigration EnforcementIsolationMental Health ServicesMentally IllSegregationSolitary Confinement |
Author: Western Australia. Drug and Alcohol Office Title: Transitional Housing and Support Program (THASP) Evaluation Summary: In March 2011, the Economic and Expenditure Reform Committee (EERC) approved a Combined Capital Bid (CCB) by the Minister for Mental Health; Disability Services, to provide capital funding for community based housing for people with mental illness, AOD problems and disabilities. The Transitional Housing and Support Program (THASP) Phase 1 was established as a pilot, jointly implemented by Department of Housing (DoH) and the Drug and Alcohol Office (DAO). THASP Program Scope In May 2011 THASP Phase 1 commenced providing community based, independent living for people exiting residential AOD treatment programs. A key feature of the THASP program is ongoing support for clients to help with personal recovery and relapse prevention. Clients are assisted with support worker visits; counselling; integration back into the community, education, training and employment; independent living skills; and identifying suitable long term housing. Support provided in each house can vary from harm minimisation, reduced use and ongoing abstinence (with the possible exception of prescription medication or tobacco). The houses are either sole use, shared with other participants or with the client's family. Houses can include mixed cohorts or programs for specific populations, such as mixed gender, women with children, youth or Aboriginal people and families. The houses are primarily available for 3-6 months however some cases may warrant longer term (up to 12 months). Clients can include those with severe and long-term problematic use of alcohol and other drugs, a history of unsuccessful treatment, home or social environment unsupportive of treatment and/or clients who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. It was expected that THASP would achieve the following: - positive outcomes for clients and their families accessing the services; - an increase in number of people exiting residential rehabilitation services and successfully transitioning into independent living; and - a reduction in the number of people exiting residential rehabilitation into homelessness. Evaluation Scope Data collection for the THASP evaluation commenced in March 2013 and was completed by 30 August 2013. Within scope were 15 THASP houses allocated to 8 residential treatment support providers. From commencement of THASP to 30 August 2013, 35 clients resided in a THASP house with an average length of stay of 6 months. The key evaluation objectives were to determine: - program outputs - short-term program outcomes - process issues and what could be improved, including: -- Impact on residential treatment services as support providers -- Impact on the local community and other external stakeholders Not within the initial scope was a review of efficiency, effectiveness and cost effectiveness. However, based on the data collection for the objectives listed above, a basic analysis was conducted and reported on in the Discussion section of this paper. Details: Mount Lawley, WA, AUS: Western Australian Drug and Alcohol Office, 2013. 57p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 6, 2015 at: http://www.dao.health.wa.gov.au/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?EntryId=951&Command=Core_Download&PortalId=0&TabId=211 Year: 2015 Country: Australia URL: http://www.dao.health.wa.gov.au/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?EntryId=951&Command=Core_Download&PortalId=0&TabId=211 Shelf Number: 137205 Keywords: Alcohol AbuseDrug OffendersHomeless PersonsHousingMentally IllReentryTreatment Programs |
Author: National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (UK) Title: Violence: The short-term management of disturbed/violent behaviour in in-patient psychiatric settings and emergency departments Summary: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) commissioned the National Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Supportive Care (NCC-NSC) to develop guidelines on the short-term management of disturbed/violent behaviour in adult psychiatric in-patient settings and emergency departments for mental health assessments. This follows referral of the topic by the Department of Health and Welsh Assembly Government. This document describes the methods for developing the guidelines and presents the resulting recommendations. It is the source document for the NICE short-form version, the Quick reference guide (the abridged version for health professionals) and the Information for the public (the version for patients and their carers), which will be published by NICE and be available on the NICE website (www.nice.org.uk). The guidelines were produced by a multidisciplinary Guideline Development Group (GDG) and the development process was undertaken by the NCC-NSC. The main areas examined by the guideline were: environment and alarm systems, prediction (antecedents, warning signs and risk assessment), training, working with service users, de-escalation techniques, observation, physical interventions, seclusion, rapid tranquillisation, post-incident review, emergency departments, and searching. Details: London: Royal College of Nursing, 2006. 135p. Source: Internet Resource: NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 25: Accessed February 12, 2016 at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK55521/pdf/Bookshelf_NBK55521.pdf Year: 2006 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK55521/pdf/Bookshelf_NBK55521.pdf Shelf Number: 137851 Keywords: Alarm SystemsHospital SecurityHospitalsMentally Ill ViolenceWorkplace Violence |
Author: National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (UK) Title: Violence and Aggression: Short-Term Management in Mental Health, Health and Community Settings Summary: This guideline has been developed to advise on the short-term management of violence and aggression in mental health, health and community settings in adults, children (aged 12 years or under) and young people (aged 13 to 17 years). This guideline updates Violence: the Short-term Management of Disturbed/Violent Behaviour in In-Patient Psychiatric Settings and Emergency Departments (NICE clinical guideline 25), which was developed by the National Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Supportive Care and published in 2005. Since the publication of the 2005 guideline, there have been some important advances in our knowledge of the management of violence and aggression, including service users' views on the use of physical intervention and seclusion, and the effectiveness, acceptability and safety of drugs and their dosages for rapid tranquillisation. The previous guideline was restricted to people aged 16 years and over in adult psychiatric settings and emergency departments; this update has been expanded to include some of the previously excluded populations and settings. All areas of NICE clinical guideline 25 have been updated, and this guideline will replace it in full. The guideline recommendations have been developed by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, people with mental health problems who have personally experienced management of violent or aggressive behaviour, their carers and guideline methodologists after careful consideration of the best available evidence. It is intended that the guideline will be useful to clinicians and service commissioners in providing and planning high-quality care for the management of violence and aggression, while also emphasising the importance of the experience of these service users' care and the experience of their carers. Details: London: British Psychological Society, 2015. 253p. Source: Internet Resource: NICD Guideline No. 10: Accessed February 12, 2016 at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK305020/pdf/Bookshelf_NBK305020.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK305020/pdf/Bookshelf_NBK305020.pdf Shelf Number: 137852 Keywords: Alarm SystemsHospital SecurityHospitalsMental Health ServicesMentally Ill ViolenceWorkplace Violence |
Author: Victoria Police Title: Victoria Police Mental Health Review Summary: The Victoria Police Mental Health Review is an independent review into the mental health and wellbeing of Victoria Police employees. The 90-page review highlights a need for change in the culture of Victoria Police to eradicate the stigma attached to mental illness and help seeking. It also highlights a need for greater access to mental health literacy and support services for Victoria Police employees during and after their careers, as well as for their families. The review was led by Clinical and Organisational Psychologist, Dr Peter Cotton, and was supported by Peter Bull (retired superintendent), Nancy Hogan (senior healthcare executive) and Maryanne Lynch (senior research consultant). Together the review team received over 450 contacts from individuals and groups; including employees of all levels across the organisation and their families, as well as former employees and their families. From these submissions the review team critically examined how Victoria Police can best deliver wellbeing services to support employees throughout their career and into their post-Victoria Police lives. Key recommendations include increased education and training around mental health, greater focus on welfare of employees by leaders and enhanced services for members, retired members and their families. Details: Melbourne: Victoria Police, 2016. 92p. Source: Internet Resource: http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?a=internetBridgingPage&Media_ID=117546 Year: 2016 Country: Australia URL: http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?a=internetBridgingPage&Media_ID=117546 Shelf Number: 139308 Keywords: Mental Health Mental Health Services Mentally IllPolice Stress |