This guide seeks to help prison staff understand and respond appropriately to the mental health needs of adult prisoners. It focuses on how prison staff can promote and protect mental health and well-being and enable those with existing conditions to function better in the prison environment.
It does not detail the diagnosis and treatment of specific conditions, as this is the responsibility of mental health professionals. It is not intended to replace mental health training, which all prison staff should receive as part of their professional and ongoing development.
- Understanding mental health
- Understanding causes of mental ill-health among prisoners
- Mental healthcare in prison
- The role of prison staff in addressing mental ill-health and promoting mental well-being
- Prison administration and management
Penal Reform International
Critoph, S. & Rope, O. (2018). Mental health in Prison. A short guide for prison staff. Penal Reform International, London. PRI_Short_guide_to_mental_health_support_in_prisons_WEB.pdf (penalreform.org)
