Mental health screening and treatment in prisons

What is it about?

Mental illness is common in prisons, and many inmates who need treatment do not receive it. We compared whether screening improved access to treatment, and in particular whether the effect of screening was equal between the sexes, racial groups, ages, and regions of the prison service.

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Why is it important?

Our findings show that there may be inequitable access to treatment between men and women, across racial groups and between regions. There is a need for screening tools that are culturally- and gender-appropriate, and to ensure that services are adequately resourced to meet the needs of the prison population.