Bridging the Gap: Brief Family Psychoeducation in Forensic Mental Health

Abstract

The development of family psychoeducation programs within low secure forensic mental health settings is limited. This paper describes the development, content, and structure of a family psychoeducation program piloted within a low secure forensic mental health setting. Additionally, the feasibility, acceptability, and resource implications are evaluated. The evaluation is descriptive in nature and based on broad feedback gathered from the five families and individuals directly involved, in addition to the views from the wider clinical team about the usefulness of the program. The intervention was well received by families and staff. Overall, the results suggest that family-based interventions in low secure settings can be developed from existing treatment being used in generic and forensic mental health settings. Research is now needed to assess the impact of the Family Psycho-Education Programme for Low Secure Settings (F-PEPSS) intervention on participants.

KEYWORDS:

• forensic mental health
• offender treatment
• family intervention
• psychoeducation
• carer involvement