Mental health and the criminal justice system

Question 1

What is Section 135?

Answer 1

• Private location (home)
• Court approval or mental health professional
• Patient is unable to care for self, suffering from mental health problem, neglected

Question 2

What is Section 136?

Answer 2

• Public location
• Police can use this section if they think you have a mental illness
• Patient can be a risk to themself or others

Question 3

What is Section 37?

Answer 3

• Court rules that a person convicted should be detained in hospital instead of prison
• Patient would be receiving their sentence

Question 4

What is Section 47?

Answer 4

• A convicted prisoner will be transferred to hospital
• Patient would be in prison already

Question 5

What is Section 48?

Answer 5

• A prisoner on remand can be transferred to forensic mental health services.
• Patient is in prison waiting for their sentence

Question 6

What is Section 41?

Answer 6

• If the person poses a risk to others, a restriction order can be added
• Patient cannot be transferred and are closely monitored.

Question 7

What is the population for prisoners who have a mental health problem?

Answer 7

90% of prisoners had a type of mental health problem:
- Personality disorder - 66% (general population 5.3)
- Depression, anxiety - 45% (gen pop 13.8)
- Drug dependence - 45% (gen pop 5.2)
- Alcohol dependence - 30% (11.5)
- Psychosis - 8% (gen pop 0.5)]

Research shows that mental health problems are very common for people in the CJS.
But there is limited research for probation.

Question 8

What are common mental health problems found in the CJS?

Answer 8

• Mood disorders
• Suicide
• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Substance misuse
• Personality disorders
  
  • most common
  • is most stigmatised
• Psychosis
  
  • least common
  • is most stigmatised

Question 9

What are the 3 clusters that is found in Personality Disorder?

Answer 9

Cluster A: ‘Odd and Eccentric’ - Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal
Cluster B: ‘Dramatic, Emotional and Erratic’ - Antisocial, or Dissocial, Borderline, or Emotionally Unstable, Histrionic, Narcissistic
Cluster C: ‘Anxious and Fearful’ - Obsessive-Compulsive (aka Anankastic), Avoidant (aka Anxious/Avoidant), Dependent

Question 10

What are some of Anti-social PD traits?

Answer 10

They are more seen in men:

• Disregard for the rights of others
• Callous unconcern for the feelings of others
• Disregard for social norms & rules
• Gross irresponsibility
• Low tolerance of frustration
• Aggression
• Incapacity to maintain enduring relationships
• Child conduct disorder

Question 11

What are some of Borderline &/or Impulsive PD traits?

Answer 11

They are more seen in women:

• Emotional instability & mood
• Impulsive behaviour
• Outbursts of anger
• Recurrent act or thoughts of self-harm
• Unstable relationships; attempts to avoid abandonment