[Referrals from Flemish prisons to external mental health care]

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychiatry
• Public Health
• Mental Healthcare Systems

Background:

• Prisoner mental health care is vital for reintegration and reducing recidivism.
• Individuals with psychiatric conditions often struggle to access community mental health services post-detention.
• This study examines the transition of care for incarcerated individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document referrals from Flemish prisons to psychiatric facilities in 2019.
• To analyze the patterns and outcomes of mental health care transitions for prisoners.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of referral data from Flemish prisons for the year 2019.
• Study included 577 prisoners with mental health issues referred to external care.
• Data sourced from the Flemish initiative TANDEM.

Main Results:

• The majority of referrals were for prisoners with substance use disorders.
• One in five prisoners with mental health issues received direct access to ambulatory or residential care.
• 30% of referred prisoners did not commence their planned treatment.

Conclusions:

• Ensuring continuity of mental health care for prisoners post-detention is recommended for social benefit.
• Enhanced collaboration between the justice system and external mental health services is essential.
• Treatment plans must consider the specific needs of prisoners for successful outcomes.