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Welcome to the EuroPris Knowledge Management System. The table below shows questions and responses from European National Agencies. Select a question for more information or use the filters on the left to narrow down questions based on Agency or Category.
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Introduction:
The General Directorate of Prisons of Albania is founding its work in regard to prisoners with menthal health problems on the Law for Menthal Health of the Republic of Albania nr, 44/ 2011. Besides, the GDPrisons of Albania has prepared and put in work from 2014 a Guideline of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention for people with mental health disorders and the prevention of suicide attempts. The document is aimed to help the prison staff with information on how to handle and communicate with the prisoners dealing with siucidal attempts.
Do you have in your prison system a method or a tool for quick and simple assessment (identification) of suicidal risk as well as a set of measures (or program) addressed to persons at risk of suicide?Another efficient tool that is used in order to identify people suffering from menthal health disorders and the prevention of suicidal attempts is the "Manual for the highliting of the prisoners who tent to commit a suicidal act and how to prevent it". The manual has been implemented for several years and still is effective.
Special Remarks or CommentsOn the basis of the contacts the medical service has to have with the entrant prisoners, it is assessed how high the suicide risk is. Measures are taken on the basis of that assessment. These measures can range from additional surveillance at set times to placement in a cell with another inmate in order to increase social control. In addition, the psychosocial service or, for confined persons, the care providers will intervene if necessary. If a risk is detected, the direction is informed so that measures can be taken. For the other detainees, the approach is different. They are not specifically screened but attention is paid to specific events, such as the refusal of a modality for the enforcement of custodial sentences, an event in the family, etc. The medical service and the psychosocial service pay specific attention to such events in their contacts with the detainee. As the psychosocial service is the service that has to bring bad news, this aspect is embedded in our basic approach.
Do you have in your prison system a method or a tool for quick and simple assessment (identification) of suicidal risk as well as a set of measures (or program) addressed to persons at risk of suicide?One prison uses a screening tool that has been developed in consultation with the University of Ghent. That tool is only available in Dutch. However, it can be sent to you via e-mail (or via the contact person) if you wish so.
Special Remarks or CommentsThe Catalan prison system has an overall strategy for the prevention of suicide. This strategy is defined and oriented in the "Framework Program for Prevention of Suicide in Prisons." This program states that, in accordance with the general principles, each prison will define a specific strategy to intervene with the uniqueness of the population served in each of them: (young people, women, mental health ...)
Do you have in your prison system a method or a tool for quick and simple assessment (identification) of suicidal risk as well as a set of measures (or program) addressed to persons at risk of suicide?There is a detection instrument called RISCANVI, among other behaviors, this tool evaluates the probability of occurrence of risk behaviors (self-harm) graded in three levels: high, medium and low. In case of detection of suicide risk, there will be specific scales administered relating to: hopelessness / coping... The intervention is regulated in the Framework Program and its realization in each center should be implemented according to risk levels
Special Remarks or CommentsThere are no specific strategies/policies, but Head Office of the Prison System Directorate crated instructions for prisons and penitentiaries, based on which each correctional facility creates list of prisoners who are in risk of suicide and or self-injury and they also create individual plan for prevention of suicide for each prisoner who is in such risk.
Do you have in your prison system a method or a tool for quick and simple assessment (identification) of suicidal risk as well as a set of measures (or program) addressed to persons at risk of suicide?List of prisoners who are at risk of suicide contains names of prisoners who are in risk because of drug/alcohol addiction problems or mental or psychological conditions that require psychiatric assistance (depression, social anxiety, emotional instability etc.), or have history of attempted suicide or history of suicide or attempted suicide in their family. Usually those prisoners are identified already in Centre for Diagnostic in Zagreb or during admittance procedure in prison/penitentiary. Individual suicide prevention plan depends on individual differences between prisoners at risk, but it usually foresees enhanced supervision during day and night, more intensive individual counselling and other forms of communication with his/her case manager, intensified doctor check-outs (general practitioner and psychiatrist), motivating prisoner to participate in leisure time activities etc. Those prisoners are also never accommodated alone in their cell.
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For NOMS (prisons in England and Wales), policy for the management of prisoners at risk of suicide or self-harm is set out in our Prison Service Instruction 64/2011. This policy mandates the use of the ACCT process (Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork) for the identification and management of such prisoners.
Do you have in your prison system a method or a tool for quick and simple assessment (identification) of suicidal risk as well as a set of measures (or program) addressed to persons at risk of suicide?Prison Service Instruction 64/2011: https://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/offenders/psipso/psi-2011/psi-64-2011-safer-custody.doc Safety in custody statistics: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/safety-in-custody-statistics
Special Remarks or CommentsThe Irish Prison Service is a party to Ireland's National Strategy to Reduce Suicide which is entitled 'Connecting for Life' and is for the period from 2015 to 2020 inclusive. The key objective of this stategy is to reduce the number of deaths by suicide, and the rate of presentation of self harm, in the general population and in specified, priority groupings. The strategy has assigned the following specific strategic goals to the Department of Justice and Equality, and by extension, the Irish Prison Service: 5.3.1: 'Through the Death in Custody/Suicide Prevention Group in each prison, identify lessons learned, oversee the implementation of the corrective action plan, and carry out periodic audits.' 5.4.2: 'Deliver training in suicide prevention to frontline staff who are likely to come into contact with people who are vulnerable to/at risk of suicidal behaviour.'
Do you have in your prison system a method or a tool for quick and simple assessment (identification) of suicidal risk as well as a set of measures (or program) addressed to persons at risk of suicide?The Irish Prison Service policy is that, on committal, every prisoner is seen by a Prison Nurse, and undergoes a Nursing Committal Interview. This includes an assessment of the persons current, and past mental health, and provides for a specific care plan to be devised as appropriate. Psychology Services, and In Reach Psychiatric Services are available to all persons in custody, and the Irish Prison Service is currently updating its mental health awareness programme for all prison staff.
Special Remarks or CommentsIn the framework of European Commission program „Criminal Justice” co-funded project „Suicide preventive system development in imprisonment places” No. JUST/2013/JPEN/AG/4554 "Prisoners' suicidal behaviour prevention guidelines for the Latvian Prison Administration and its divisions” were developed.
Do you have in your prison system a method or a tool for quick and simple assessment (identification) of suicidal risk as well as a set of measures (or program) addressed to persons at risk of suicide?At the moment, the Assessment of suicide risk diagnosing scale, which was developed by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, is practically used. In the framework of the previously mentioned project was developed "Social skills development and stress reduction" program, its aim – to encourage the development of social and emotional self-guidance skills, to encourage self-awareness and develop the ability to integrate in socium, thus reducing suicide risk. Also, in the framework of the project prison personnel have been trained to organize self-help groups for inmates with suicidal tendencies. In the 2nd half of 2015 the approbation of the program and self-help groups will be carried out.
Special Remarks or CommentsThe most effective prevention strategy in CCF is the continuous open dialogue between Correctional Officers and inmates, and the most accessible Prison Psychological Services present on site. The Correctional Officers are trained in observing potential risk factors leading up to self injurious behavior. Such cases are immediately referred, with no delay, and assessed by psychologists. Out of hours referrals are assessed by medical doctors who provide a 24 hour service to CCF. Furthermore twice weekly clinics by Psychiatric In Reach services led by Consultant Psychiatrists, have contributed to an effective preventive strategy.
Do you have in your prison system a method or a tool for quick and simple assessment (identification) of suicidal risk as well as a set of measures (or program) addressed to persons at risk of suicide?Tools such as the General Health Questionnaire, Becks Suicide Inventory but most importantly clinical judgement, are applied for assessment of such cases. Identified cases are referred for admission to a Forensic Unit ward attached to the local psychiatric hospital, where further management and personalised psychiatric care plans, are implemented in a program led by a psychiatric Multidisciplinary Team, addressing mental health issues and risk of self harm.
Special Remarks or CommentsThe Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Policy (SSHPP) is in place for all prisons within NI
Do you have in your prison system a method or a tool for quick and simple assessment (identification) of suicidal risk as well as a set of measures (or program) addressed to persons at risk of suicide?Prisoners are assessed at various times from their appearance at court, through committal and throughout their time in custody using methods outlined in the SSHPP and on-going healthcare and mental health referrals and assessments. Guidance is also provided in the SSHPP on possible measures to assist a vulnerable prisoner throughout their crisis. Various programmes are delivered e.g. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, SHARE (self-harm and recovery), Depression Management, Anxiety Management and one-to-one counselling.
Special Remarks or CommentsGuidance on Suicide and Self-Injury Prevention in Penitentiary Institutions is issued for suicidal behavior management. Penitentiary institutions also have crisis management teams.
Do you have in your prison system a method or a tool for quick and simple assessment (identification) of suicidal risk as well as a set of measures (or program) addressed to persons at risk of suicide?Psychological services use Suicidal Risk Assessment Questtionaire and clinical interview for primary assessment of inmates. Newly arrived inmates are encouraged to participate at the educational training program Psychology of Crisis (16 acad. hours). Inmates who are registered on the High Risk of Self-Injury or Suicide List are provided personal or social support.
Special Remarks or CommentsThe Scottish Prison Service, Suicide Prevention Strategy is a multidisciplinary, multi-agency strategy which manages those identified as at risk of self-harm or suicide. The strategy enables staff to provide individualised care to those identified as at risk through a multi-disciplinary, case conference approach.
Do you have in your prison system a method or a tool for quick and simple assessment (identification) of suicidal risk as well as a set of measures (or program) addressed to persons at risk of suicide?Every person who is admitted to prison is assessed for their risk of self-harm or suicide. A Reception Risk Assessment form is completed for every person entering prison or following conviction. Staff are trained in the SPS Suicide Prevention Strategy so they are able to identify the signs and triggers that make a prisoner a risk of suicide or self-harm. Prison staff continually monitor prisoners behaviours and through effective relationships are able to identify when prisoners are at risk and may require to be managed on the suicide risk management strategy.
Special Remarks or CommentsWe developed Prison suicide prevention strategy in 2003. The strategy was updated in 2012. Main topic: · staff training, · systematic suicide screening on admission, · handling the potentially suicidal inmates, · intervention, · follow-up review and debriefing, · evaluation.
Do you have in your prison system a method or a tool for quick and simple assessment (identification) of suicidal risk as well as a set of measures (or program) addressed to persons at risk of suicide?Suicide prevention screening tool which is applied on every new admitted inmate is vital part of the strategy. Some items of screening tool are: • Lacks close family or friends in the community • History of drug or alcohol abuse • Psychiatric history • Holds position or respect in community or/and shocking crime • Previous suicide attempt • Thinking about killing himself • signs of depression (crying, apathy, emotional flatness, ...) • strange (unusual behavior, disorientation, ...) • Under influence of alcohol or drugs • Signs of withdrawal • First time in prison Every inmate detected to be potentially suicidal is assessed further according to the risk level by pedagogue, psychologist, physician or psychiatrist. Every location has a list of potentially suicidal inmates. They are never placed alone as far as they don't endanger other roommates. There are treatment plans and level of supervision arranged for all of them. The level of risk is regularly reassessed on team meetings.
Special Remarks or CommentsNo, there are no prevention strategies intended for general population in our prison system.
Do you have in your prison system a method or a tool for quick and simple assessment (identification) of suicidal risk as well as a set of measures (or program) addressed to persons at risk of suicide?Yes. Every persons arriving to a Remand Prison are questionned according to a structured questionnaire. This questionnaire consists partly of questions about risk factors such as treatment for psychiatric disordes, substans use and former suicide attemts. It also include questions about the actual mood such as wishings of beeing dead and suicide thougths. If positive answers the person could be observed either permanently or unregular at least four times an hour before examination of a nurse/other medical staff. If the person is beeing moved to another Remand prison or are sentenced and taken to a Prison a shortversion of the quistionnaire is repeated. A Handbook about selfharm and suicide is provided to all staff employed in the Swedish Prison and Probation service. All nurses employed in the Swedish Prison system are obligued to participate in an education about Prison Medicin (wher lectures in Psychiatry are included) and Suicidology.
Special Remarks or CommentsYes, there are. Every detainee gets a medical intake from a qualified nurse, in which special attention is made for psychological and psychiatric problems (depression, suicide-attempts in the past, family history, addiction etc.). Further there is a regular observation and report from prisonworkers for every prisoner. Detainees who use psychiatric medication are under attention of a special team (PMO, psycho-medical deliberation) in which the prison doctor, prison nurse, psychologist and psychiatrist participate.
Do you have in your prison system a method or a tool for quick and simple assessment (identification) of suicidal risk as well as a set of measures (or program) addressed to persons at risk of suicide?Yes, we do. We have courses in suicideprevention for executive prisonworkers, they pick up signals of risk-groups and share them with psychologists and the medical service. Prisoners with high suiciderisk get special care and, if necessary medication. Within our prisonsystem we have four special psychiatric centers (PPC, penitentary psychiatric center) where prisoners with serious problems can be observed and treated.
Special Remarks or Comments