ABSTRACT
Internationally, the prevalence of mental health problems and mental illness among people subject to Probation Service supervision is significantly higher than in the general population. This chapter will outline the key findings from three studies conducted in 2019 in the Irish Probation Service, showing that Ireland is no exception. Key issues identified include the significant incidence of unmet psychological and psychiatric needs, gaps in knowledge and training in the area of mental health for practitioners, the need for improved access and engagement routes to mental health services, cross-agency working and a focused government-led approach to ensure that these issues are addressed.
