A site visit survey of 101 mental health liaison and diversion schemes in England

Abstract

This article presents the findings of a unique site visit audit of all known assessment, liaison and diversion schemes in England. The Lord Bradley Review placed great importance upon such teams to be a hub of service provision for individuals with mental health needs who pass through the criminal justice system. This study, undertaken to inform the Lord Bradley Review (2009, www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_098694), demonstrates that although these schemes carry out their core function of undertaking mental health assessments well, their organisational embedding is often poor and their sustainability questionable. Indicators for best practice regarding the shape and operation of these teams are identified and discussed.

Keywords:

• diversion
• police stations
• courts
• Bradley review

Notes

1. We thank Dave Spurgeon (NACRO) and Lucy Smith (formerly NACRO) for their help in identifying schemes.