ISLE OF MAN PRISON - MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES QUERY
The Celtic League have asked the Isle Of Man Minister for Home Affairs if mental health resources for prisoners at the new Isle of Man prison at the news Jurby prison match the physical resource the new multi-million pound facility provides (see below):
"Mr. Adrian Earnshaw MHK Minister for Home Affairs Department of Home Affairs Homefield Douglas Isle of Man 30:08:08
Dear Minister,
Ref: Isle of Man Prison
I understand that the Isle of Man government has undertaken the relocation of staff and inmates from the derelict facility at Victoria Road jail to the new purpose built facility and Jurby.
Obviously the new facility provides considerable scope for rehabilitation of offenders and also for the first time in decades ensures that prison accommodation for prisoners and the working conditions for staff meet the best standards.
In addition however to the physical well being of prisoner's society should be equally concerned about their psychological well being.
The Department will be aware that a number of reports into mental health problems amongst the prison population in England and Wales over recent years have dramatically enhanced understanding of this previously neglected area of prison reform. From this research it is clear that high proportions of those committed to prison have two or more mental health problems.
In the light of this can you advise what steps have been taken to ensure that mental health services for inmates at the new Isle of Man prison are adequate. Specifically does the new prison have a mental health inreach team of suitably qualified persons?
Yours sincerely" There has been considerable research in recent years into the particular mental health requirements of prison facilities in both the United Kingdom and Ireland and periodic criticism by inspection bodies of shortcomings.
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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
30/08/08
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