Scott, David and McGilloway, Sinéad and Donnelly, Michael (2009) The mental health needs of women detained in police custody. Journal of Mental Health, 18 (2). pp. 144-151. ISSN 0963-8237

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Abstract

Background: This paper describes and appraises the work of a city centre Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion (CJLD) service in relation to contact with female Mentally Disordered Offenders (MDOs). Aims: To describe the population of female detainees referred to the service by examining administrative outcomes and psychiatric assessment data. Method: Two Community Mental Health Nurses (CMHNs) collected information on the mental health needs and service utilization of MDOs over a three-year period. Information on psychiatric history, offending history and recommended follow-up services is also presented. Results: One-in-five (217/1089) detainees assessed by the service were female, 91% of whom had a mental illness. Two-thirds were “cases” on the GHQ whilst 58% attained “above threshold” BPRS scores; 43% and 54% respectively had a history of harming others or themselves. Most had previous contact with mental health services. The majority (59%) were referred to their GPs following assessment. Conclusions: Many women with mental illness are arrested and detained in police custody. The CJLD service effectively identified, assessed and linked the majority of female MDOs to services.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Mental disorder; women offenders; diversion; liaison;
Academic Unit:	Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology
Item ID:	9288
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1080/09638230701879193
Depositing User:	Dr. Sinéad McGilloway
Date Deposited:	07 Mar 2018 17:06
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Mental Health
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	https://www.tandfonline.com

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