Probe into female prison inmates with mental health issues

AN INQUIRY into whether female inmates with mental health problems can be effectively treated in prison is to be carried out, it was announced yesterday.

The Scottish Parliament’s equal opportunities committee is appealing for inform- ation on people’s experience in prisons across Scotland and the extent to which it prevents women from re- offending.

The announcement comes after a Scottish Government watchdog report concluded prisons are failing inmates with severe mental health problems.

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland, Andrew McLellan, concluded prison was not the most appropriate environment for them and they should be in hospital.

He added that inmates were being released with no support, only to re-offend.

Recently published statistics show the number of female prisoners has increased by 5% over the last year to an average daily total of 371.

Committee convener Margaret Mitchell, a Conservative MSP, said the inquiry was timely since the average daily population of women in prison in Scotland has increased by 90% in the last 10 years.

Ms Mitchell said the lack of support for prisoners with mental health problems was apparent, pointing out there was nowhere else to send them because Carstairs State Hospital in Lanarkshire does not accept women.

She added: “We want to explore whether prison can provide effective treatment or rehabilitation programmes to all female offenders or whether those with mental health problems require different interventions.”