A Pilot Programme to Facilitate the Use of Mental Health Treatment Requirements: Professional Stakeholders' Experiences. (14th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Molyneaux, Emma; Vera San Juan, Norha; Brown, Penelope; Lloyd-Evans, Bryn; Oram, Sian
• Is Part Of: British journal of social work. Volume 51:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 1041
• Page End: 1059
• Publication Date: 2020-10-14
• Subjects: Mental health -- qualitative methods -- social care -- sentencing -- implementation; Social service -- Periodicals; Social workers -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bcaa111
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-3102

Abstract

Abstract: Mental Health Treatment Requirements (MHTRs) have been available in England and Wales since 2005 but are rarely used, despite high rates of mental health problems amongst offenders. In 2018, a new protocol to facilitate the use of MHTRs was piloted in five sites in England. Aims: Understanding the experiences of professional stakeholders and identify barriers to use MHTRs. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with thirty-eight professional stakeholders and thematic analysis applied. Results: Interviewees were positive about the content and implementation of the new protocol. Interviewees described key benefits as increasing options in community sentencing, addressing a gap in service provision and facilitating offenders' access to other services. Challenges described, included multi-agency working, sustainability of funding and the range and complexity of needs of offenders receiving MHTRs and the variation in their motivation to engage. Success factors described were having a strong steering group, staff dedicated to the project and being able to provide a broad range of support to meet offender needs. Conclusion: The MHTR pilot protocol was generally well-received and appeared to address previous barriers to the use of MHTRs. Future work is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of MHTRs and the experience of offenders who receive them.