Mental health in prison
Mental health in prison: a short guide for prison staff
This short guide has been published by Penal Reform
International (PRI). It has been produced with the financial
assistance of Matrix Chambers.
This publication was authored by Sharon Critoph and
Olivia Rope. PRI would like to acknowledge that this publication
benefitted from advice and contributions from a group of
experts convened at a meeting in January 2018 at PRI’s Head
Office in London.
A short guide for prison staff
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Introduction
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in
four people will be affected by mental or neurological disorders
at some point in their lives.1 Over 10.35 million people are in
prison globally, and prisoners have a disproportionately high
rate of mental ill-health; research suggests that around one in
seven prisoners has a serious mental health condition.2 Women
in prison are known to have more complex and higher levels
of mental health conditions than men, much of which is linked
to trauma from previous violence that they have suffered.3
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There is widespread stigma and discrimination towards
people with mental ill-health, and mental health conditions are
often misunderstood.
First published in April 2018.
ISBN: 978-1-909521-62-9
© Penal Reform International 2018
Protecting mental well-being and addressing mental ill-health
are two of the most challenging issues in prisons worldwide.
The set-up of prison healthcare varies from country to country,
and many prisons do not have the resources to provide
adequate mental healthcare for both prisoners and staff.
Graphic design by Alex Valy
(www.alexvalydesign.co.uk)
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proportionate responses to criminal justice problems worldwide.
We promote alternatives to prison that support the rehabilitation
of offenders, and promote the right of detainees to fair and humane
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of the death penalty, and we work to ensure just and appropriate
responses to children and women who come into contact with the law.
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Prison staff face the consequences of supervising people with
mental ill-health on a daily basis, yet frequently do not receive
the necessary training or support. Appropriate responses to
mental ill-health help create better working conditions and safer
work places for prison staff. The promotion, protection and
restoration of mental health in prisons are also vital measures
for prisoner rehabilitation and their safe reintegration back into
the community.
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