ABSTRACT
Mental ill health is a significant issue across the Criminal Justice System (CJS), with trauma and adverse childhood experiences playing a role, as well as the detrimental impact of being involved with the CJS itself. This chapter is based on the findings from a recent joint thematic inspection of individuals with mental health needs in the CJS. This inspection revealed a number of challenges with regards to the identification and assessment of mental health needs, information sharing, professional curiosity, consideration given to the impact of trauma and provision for appropriate support. The impact which relationships with criminal justice staff can have on the mental health of individuals was found to be a key factor. This is illustrated with powerful quotes from those individuals who had experienced mental ill health, obtained by the lived experience team who worked alongside the inspectorates.
