BPS calls for funding to boost research on mental health needs of prisoners
The BPS in Scotland is calling for funding to tackle the paucity of forensic psychology research to improve the care of prisoners with mental health problems.
29 August 2024
The society's Division of Forensic Psychology-Scotland (DFP-S) says new, robust data is urgently needed to understand the mental health needs of individuals in prison and elsewhere in the justice system.
Speaking at a Scottish Sentencing Council (SSC) event tomorrow, Adam Mahoney, chair of DFP-S, will say that dedicated resources must be provided to address the recognised lack of research in forensic psychology in the country.
Dr Mahoney is among a 120-strong audience believed to be taking part in the event organised by the SSC, an independent advisory body.
He will speak about how the lack of population-wide research impacts on the care of prisoners, as well as on workforce planning.
"While there have been some small-scale studies of particular prison population groups, there has never been rigorous, scientific data collected on the mental health needs of prisoners in Scotland. Indeed, in England the best data was arguably collected 25 years ago.
"So, we really don't know what the mental health needs of prisoners are. We need this population-wide data to establish that need, and how we respond to it."
Dr Mahoney added that new research would also allow for better workforce planning, saying there was currently a shortage of forensic psychologists in Scotland, along with the rest of the UK.
The Scottish Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy delivery plan (2023-25) recognises the gaps in data collected and reported about forensic mental health services, and says an improved system of data collection and monitoring the outcomes for individuals receiving such services will be developed.
Dr Mahoney said there was a need to ensure funding was made available to progress this work.
As the updated psychological therapies Matrix – which allows clinicians to draw on the most up-to-date evidence – continues to develop, the BPS would like to see increased research/funding for research made available for specialities where there is less of a widespread evidence base, including forensic.