1010CCJ_Module 11_Learning Video 3

Mental Health, Psychology and the Criminal Justice System 1010CCJ

• Focus on Women, Mental Health, and the Criminal Justice System

Implications for Gender-Responsive Interventions and Treatment

• Importance of tailored mental health services for female offenders

Prison Mental Health Services

• Male-dominated prison systems

• Lack of appropriate services for female offenders with mental health issues

• Conflicting healthcare vs. justice priorities

• Prisons as an opportunity to provide health services specific to female offenders

Guiding Frameworks for Gender-Responsive Prison Services

• United Nations’ Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners (The Bangkok Rules)

  • Rule 12: Individualized, gender-sensitive, trauma-informed mental health care and rehabilitation in custody

• Guiding Principles for Corrections in Australia

  • Principle 4.1.14: Gender-appropriate healthcare emphasizing reproductive, sexual health, and counselling access

Gender-Specific Care and Treatment

• Trauma-informed prison models

• Addressing gender-responsive characteristics

• Tailored cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for women

• Substance use/misuse programs

• Prenatal and perinatal services

• Integrative treatment care approaches

Trauma-Informed Care Features

• Acknowledge prior trauma experienced by many incarcerated women

• Implementing non-revictimizing policies and procedures

• Creating a warm, respectful prison environment

• Access to trauma-specific therapeutic services

Services for Pregnant Women in Carceral Settings

• Aim to keep mothers and infants together

• Best practices: child-friendly environments, parenting education, access to healthcare, and mental health support

• Mother-Baby Units: Community-based programs for supporting parenting and child development outcomes

• Women and Infants at Risk Program: Support for low-level, non-violent pregnant women transitioning out of incarceration

Pre-Release Concerns for Women in Prison

• Need for access to community mental health support

• Challenges related to motherhood

• Issues regarding affordable housing

• Need for employment and income support

Through-Care Model

• Continuity of care across the system

• Aimed at successful reintegration into society

  • In-care, Pre-release, Aftercare, Reintegration phases

Treatment and Interventions on Recidivism

• Correctional interventions can reduce recidivism rates

• Gender-informed interventions are more effective than gender-neutral ones

• Focus on substance use/misuse interventions linked to reduced recidivism

• Evidence supporting a through-care approach (Gobeil et al., 2016)

Treatment and Interventions Outcomes on Mental Health

• CBT and mindfulness-based therapies: moderate effectiveness for reducing depression and anxiety

• Potential benefits of DBT for short-term mental health improvements

• Limited support for trauma-based therapies in current studies

Analysis of Trauma-Based Approaches

• Skepticism around the effectiveness of trauma-based approaches

• Jewkes et al. (2019): Importance of embedding trauma-informed practices in prison culture

• Ineffective implementation in dangerous environments undermines the value of trauma-informed care

Conclusion

• Importance of understanding and addressing the unique mental health needs of women within the criminal justice system.

• Special focus on nurturing an environment for effective healing and rehabilitation.