Citation

Awofeso N. Adv. Ment. Health 2010; 9(3): 255-262.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.5172/jamh.9.3.255

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

As a 'total institution' as well as a tool of government policy in limiting and promoting human mobility, prisons serve important migration-related functions in contemporary society. The social structure of prisons as well as their roles in incapacitating potential migrants and deterring migration contribute to mental health problems amongst the incarcerated. A major consequence of high prevalence of mental illness in prisons is suicide. Irrespective of complex intertwined factors such as harsh penal regime and the psychological impact of arrest an incarceration which increase the risk of prison suicides, mentally ill prisoners are significantly more likely to commit suicide during incarceration and within the first year following release from custody. The author examines the contributions of prison mental health promotion policies and programs in England and Wales to preventing prison suicides, and concludes that Britain's recent initiatives in this sector have a strong potential to sustainably reduce prison suicides as well as improve prisoners' mental health. © eContent Management Pty Ltd.

Language: en

Keywords

England; Suicide; Mental health; Prisons; Wales; Migration