Tool developed to help detect mental health problems

A new screening tool could lead to more effective identification
of young offenders with severe mental health problems, a study has
found, writes Maria Ahmed.

Researchers at Southampton University developed and tested out
the new tool at Winchester prison, where it helped prison officers
without specialist training to identity a higher number of
prisoners with mental health problems.

The tool, developed through consultation with prison staff and
prisoners, aimed to provide a “short and simple” way of
spotting mentally vulnerable prisoners.

The study, published by the Royal College of Psychiatrists,
recommended that the tool should be developed across prisons
including young offender’s institutions and women’s
prisons.

For a copy of the study email: dhart@rcpsych.ac.uk