Offering group mental health programs in a maximum security correctional facility
Observations, outcomes and recommendations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15173/ijrr.v3i1.4030Keywords:
Prison mental health groups, Correctional mental health, Forensic mental health, Forensic social work, Correctional social work, Prison social workAbstract
In the following article, the author discusses psychoeducational groups offered in a men’s maximum security prison by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s (CAMH) Forensic Early Intervention Service (FEIS) in partnership with correctional services staff. The author shares observations and experiences facilitating mental health programs with clients in custody and explore related challenges, risks and opportunities. Outcomes and feedback from group participants are reviewed and recommendations for others interested in offering similar programs are presented.
References
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Independent Review of Ontario Corrections Team. Corrections in Ontario: directions for reform. Queens Printer for Ontario. 2017 (accessed on November 25, 2019).
Simpson AIF, Jones RM. Two challenges affecting access to care for clients with serious mental illness: Detecting illness and acceptable services. Can J Psychiatry. 2018;63(10):648–50.
McMurran M. Motivational interviewing with offenders: a systematic review. Legal Criminol Psychol. 2009;14(1):83-100.
Shelton D, Sampl S, Kesten KL, et al. (2009). Treatment of impulsive aggression in correctional settings. Behav Sci Law. 2009;27(5):787-800.
Glancy G, Simpson AIF. Ethical dilemmas in correctional institutions. In E. Griffith (Ed.), Ethics challenges in forensic psychiatry and psychology practice. New York, NY: Columbia University Press, 2018:101-15.
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