MAPPA and detained patients: views from professionals about referral

Abstract

Recent research indicates a positive correlation between Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) and reduction in reoffending. Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements were introduced in 2001 to assist with the supervision of dangerous offenders by improving collaboration between agencies involved in their management. Since then there has been research into the value of MAPPA, but this has focused on offenders in the community. Many patients detained in psychiatric hospitals have committed MAPPA eligible offences and current Government guidance does not assist those concerned in the care and treatment of this small but significant group. In this pilot study this quantitative research looks at the views of professionals in relation to MAPPA and identified that a revision of the National MAPPA Guidance to take account of the specific issues for offender-patients would be helpful to staff who manage them and that additional training to those staff may also be of benefit.

Keywords:

• MAPPA
• risk assessment
• risk management
• detained offender patients