Dr Coral Sirdifield (CaHRU, University of Lincoln), and Professor Charlie Brooker (Royal Holloway, University of London) have produced an Academic Insights report for Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation, which was published on the 13th of August 2020.
The report provides an overview of the (limited) research evidence base on the mental health needs of people under probation supervision, demonstrating that there is a high prevalence of mental illness in this population when compared to the general population. It also outlines the National Probation Service’s commitment to improving the health of people under supervision, and the reasons why it is important to maximise positive mental health outcomes and ensure equivalence of care for this group.
The main body of the publication draws on recent reviews of the literature to articulate the current barriers to maximising positive mental health outcomes for those under probation supervision, potential enablers, and potential models of practice to explore. Potential enablers include improving commissioning processes and provision for complex needs, improving access to data and training, improving GP access, and investing in research and evaluation.
We hope that some of the data and ideas contained in this publication will support beneficial developments in practice in the health and justice field in the future.
The full report can be accessed here: https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/08/Maximising-positive-mental-health-outcomes-for-people-under-probation-supervision.pdf