Briefing 39: Mental health care and the criminal justice system

14 September 2011

The Government has committed to developing diversion services to identify people with mental health problems in courts and police stations. This is vital to reduce the number of people with mental health difficulties in custody and to improve community services for offenders of all ages.

This briefing paper examines the provision of mental health care for adults in the criminal justice system. It looks at what has been achieved to date and identifies priorities for further work.

Audience: criminal justice agencies, policy makers.

Free to download below.