Mental health and probation supervision in Ireland

Abstract

In 2019, three internal studies were conducted in the Irish Probation Service exploring mental health among persons subject to probation supervision. This paper briefly considers, as context for the studies, the Irish and wider international literature exploring mental health problems among those engaged with probation services and outlines the key findings from the three studies. The studies though limited in scale, scope and methodology were consistent in identifying recurring themes supporting the broader research literature highlighting the prevalence of mental health problems among probation service clients. The paper discusses the key findings and implications for probation policy and practice, and looks to ongoing developments and related new initiatives in the field in Ireland.

Deaths among adults under supervision of the England and Wales’ probation services: variation in individual and criminal justice-related factors by cause of death

“…This study cannot quantify whether this marker is due to the impact of the enforcement action or its potential outcomes (e.g., concerns over the outcome of returning to court or triggering a sense of unfairness, acute loss, hopelessness or loss of control as reported by those recalled to prison (Fitzalan Howard, 2019 ; Harris et al, 2020 )). Based on available evidence it is likely to be an indicator of wider social, mental health or psychological issues, which are very common in this population (Power & McNally, 2022 ; Sirdifield, 2012 ), and are culminating in the violation of the terms of their sentence and the initiation of enforcement action. With enforcement action as a risk marker for suspected suicide, drug-related and accidental death, it will be important for justice, social, and health services to acknowledge the heightened risk when considering prioritisation for services which may prevent enforcement being required.…”

“…Probation services do not hold the same statutory duty of care as prisons hold for people in custody and relies on other statutory and partner agencies to deliver many key services to those under supervision (e.g., health and social care, housing, education). There are acknowledged challenges across many jurisdictions around information sharing, access, and user engagement with services (Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation, 2022 ; Power & McNally, 2022 ; Prisons Probation Ombudsman, 2022 ). Further multi-agency examination of these deaths may provide evidence or learning for opportunities for prevention with these individuals who are in regular contact with the probation service.…”

Suicide in probation: Towards the ideation-to-action model

“…These are all key predictive variables for suicide acts found in Favril's research. Also, we also know that social isolation, physical ill-health, unemployment and negative self-image are common features of the probation population from a health needs assessment undertaken using the Short Form-36 a global measure of health status (Brooker et al, 2009; MacKenzie et al, 2015; Power, 2020). Thus, the ‘pain’ and ‘hopelessness’ discussed by Klonsky and May, as a key first step along the path to a suicide act, would be commonly experienced by probationers.…”