In bid to offer earlier intervention and help prevent re-offending
A new trial scheme, starting next year will see mental health professionals stationed in police stations and courts in Ealing.
West London Mental Health Trust, in partnership with Central and North West London Trust and Together UK, is one of 13 new trials.
The idea is to identify someone brought into a police station or involved in court proceedings who may have a mental health problem or other issues that need addressing.
Closer collaboration with the police and court system will ensure that vulnerable people are well managed in custody, get access to the right services quickly and are supported through the criminal justice system.. The aim is to improve their health, reduce re-offending and the likelihood that they will reach crisis point
For many offenders who have a mental health issue, prison can make their situation worse. Nearly half of all prisoners have anxiety or depression, and nearly a third of all 13-18 year old who offend have a mental health issue.
When the scheme launches in April 2015, trust psychiatrists will be able to enhance the work currently undertaken in magistrate’s courts covering the boroughs of Ealing and Hounslow. The trust will also provide more mental health custody nurses in the Boroughs of Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham and Hounslow and provide specialist mental health treatment to young people who offend.
Dr Nick Broughton, medical director at the trust, said: “Those of us who work in forensic mental health services know that all too often people with mental health problems end up in the courts and criminal justice system when what they need is the right mental health and social care.
“This scheme will help us to intervene earlier and hopefully prevent mental health problems resulting in offending or re-offending. By having mental health professionals in courts as well as police stations, we will also be able to make sure that mental health needs are addressed during criminal justice procedures. We’re looking forward to working with CNWL and Together UK in this crucial work.”
17th December 2014