A survey exploring the provision of carers' support in medium and high secure services in England and Wales

Abstract

Although the focus on carers has increased in general psychiatry, the same cannot be said for forensic psychiatry. This is despite the fact that carers of mentally disordered offenders may experience additional pressures including in some cases, being the victim of the patients' crime. A survey of medium and high secure units in England and Wales was conducted to investigate support provided to carers of mentally disordered offenders. Most units provided some form of support, but there was variation in the types and amount of support provided. Services identified benefits of providing carer support that included improving relationships and communication between staff and carers and improving patient and carer well-being. Difficulties providing support included logistical problems such as a lack of resources and stakeholder issues such as carers' previous negative experiences with mental health services. Recommendations are offered for units hoping to improve the service they provide to carers of mentally disordered offenders.

Keywords:

• carers
• support
• forensic
• medium secure units
• high secure units
• mentally disordered offenders
• forensic mental health
• forensic setting
• high-security hospital