Calls For Greater Use Of Mental Health Treatment For Offenders With Mental Health Problems

More news from the Centre for Mental Health. They have published a new briefing paper which looks at the provision of mental health care for adults in the criminal justice system.

The paper states "Despite the fact that we know that as many as a quarter of offenders have a mental illness its disappointing to discover that since its introduction in 2005 the mental health treatment requirement still represents well-under 1 per cent of all requirements issued."

Sean Duggan, Centre for Mental Health chief executive said, commenting on recent figures from the Ministry of Justice that show a fall in the number of Mental Health Treatment Requirements (MHTRs) issued as part of a Community Order or Suspended Sentence Order "Our research has shown that the MHTR has unfilled potential as an option for community sentences. By engaging offenders with mental health problems in effective treatment in the community, the MHTR has to potential to improve an individual's mental health and wellbeing and reduce the chances of reoffending.

You can read more about this briefing paper here: http://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/news/2012_MHTR.aspx