ABSTRACT
In this systematic review, the methodology is briefly outlined and the results considered in more detail. The major conclusion is that effective mental health interventions in probation have rarely been described. Just four studies that met inclusion criteria were elicited that examined the offender personality disorder pathway in England, the mental health of residents in Approved Premises and their use of mental health services and the impact of mental health courts on participants’ use of mental health services. Other useful research was identified that did not meet the criteria for effectiveness but nonetheless was useful, for example, studies that tried to understand why the take-up of mental health treatment orders in England was so low. The results of the review are discussed, and it is concluded that effectiveness research is hard to undertake in probation but efforts must continue.
