Abstract

Approximately 90% of prisoners experience mental
health problems, substance misuse problems or
both. However, prison reception screening tools are
not always effective in enabling staff to identify
mentally disordered prisoners. Therefore, to ensure
that these individuals get access to appropriate
care, custodial staff should be trained in recognising
the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders,
and in effectively working with these individuals.
This paper charts the pilot implementation of a
mental health awareness workbook designed for
use in custodial settings across England. It examines
the variety of approaches adopted to implement
the workbook, staff views on the usefulness
of the workbook, and barriers to implementation
encountered in each area. Recommendations made
for best practice in delivering the workbook in
other areas suggest a need for changes to its
format, but also that time should be ring-fenced
for staff to participate in this training, in groups led
by experts such as in-reach team members.