Individuals with a serious mental illness (SMI) are significantly overrepresented in prisons and jails (Bland et al., 1998; Brink, 2005; Teplin, 1990). In a large meta-analysis of prevalence of SMI in prisons and jails, Fazel & Seewald (2012) found that rates of SMI in correctional settings is approximately 15%. Additionally, many individuals who screen positive do not receive further assessment or mental health services (Hayes et al., 2014).
Inmates with serious mental health needs in remand settings may occasionally require mental health services beyond the scope of what can be provided in a correctional setting. To address this need, the High Needs Service (HNS) initiative was developed to identify and provide inpatient care and treatment to inmates who suffer from treatable serious mental conditions, and who will most benefit from short-term admission to a structured and secured inpatient setting. The HNS bed has been operational since March 2018.
PRESENTERS:
Dr. Kiran Patel | Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
Tanya Connors | Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
Vito Adamo | Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
