Mental Health in the Justice System: Navigating a Better Future!

Addy Blocksidge went to the Irish Criminal Justice Agencies Conference and reported back.

‘‘We must uphold people’s human-rights, and we must not deny people liberty because it is convenient’’

This month saw the commencement of the 10th Irish Criminal Justice Agencies Conference at Dublin Castle, facilitated by the Association for Criminal Justice Research and Development. Judges, ministers, lawyers, gardai, probation workers, social care workers and psychologists met to discuss the central theme of ‘Navigating Mental Health in the Criminal Justice System’. 

The event placed considerable emphasis on early intervention and prevention with regards to mental health. Among the ongoing works discussed was the Community Access Support Team (CAST) that was recently launched in Limerick. Previously trialed in the UK, this pilot project is aimed at enabling people to access trauma-informed mental health support within their community before the need to call upon emergency services. The CAST team will be comprised of gardai, social care workers and nurses, all geared towards the provision of a more timely and appropriate intervention of care and support.

While some positive steps have been taken to tackle mental health within Ireland, speakers also identified a severe lack of services across the board. They highlighted the prevalence of mental health issues within the courtroom and subsequently amongst prisoners and those on probation. A leading psychologist claimed that around 95% of her clients from the prison service meet criteria for PTSD. Furthermore, there is growing concern around children and young people. The Ombudsman for Children raised concerns for children’s mental health from their report, ‘Pieces of Us’. The children expressed frustration at long waiting lists for services such as CAMHS and a general lack of support. A number of professionals suggested that oftentimes, people do not receive mental health support until they experience detention.

It is clear from the conference that much more needs to be done to support people with mental health difficulties, both within the justice system and beyond. Departments and professionals must work harder together to ensure early intervention, particularly with children and young people. Services must get better. One judge present at the conference stated that ‘We must uphold peoples human-rights, and we must not deny people liberty because it is convenient’. These words must be held in the highest regard if we are to inspire a better future. 

By Addy Blocksidge (Culture editor)

Edited By Keicha Wall (Content Editor)