AWARE Mental health awareness in Criminal Justice

AWARE

Cross-sectoral awareness building on mental health needs in the criminal justice system and on release

Synopsis

The AWARE project has been devised as an integrated response to non-discrimination and social integration of those who suffer the double challenge and stigma of both a criminal record and mental health problems.

Objectives

To train relevant staff to recognise, refer and/or treat moderate to severe mental health problems within the confines of daily prison and probation systems;
To foster a better integration between agencies working in prisons and probation regarding health, mental health, substance abuse, and resettlement;
To reduce the stress factors for staff;
To deliver more effective outcomes for the successful resettlement of prisoners/offenders.

Expected outcomes

A short training course to support staff working with prisoners or former prisoners with moderate to severe mental health issues;
A condensed course accessible through e-learning modules;
Enhanced integration between agencies and case studies showing how this could work in different systems;
A website as a cooperative knowledge sharing hub, and supported social media platforms;
A high-level seminar to show the value of this training and the integration of agencies;
Publish research based on original data;
An expanded network of contact points of mental health in prison and probation multipliers, and of training providers (or similar cooperation mechanisms) for relevant staff to exchange information on ongoing training needs and implementation.