Introduction
In the challenging environment of correctional facilities, mental health issues among inmates are prevalent and often inadequately addressed. Correctional officers (COs) find themselves in a unique position, acting as de facto mental health providers without the necessary training. A recent narrative review, "Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Inmates Through Education for Correctional Officers," explores the impact of educational programs on COs' ability to manage mental health crises effectively.
The Importance of Mental Health Education for COs
The review highlights the overrepresentation of mental illness in correctional settings, with inmates experiencing higher rates of depression, psychosis, and suicide compared to the general population. COs, traditionally trained to maintain security and enforce rules, often lack the skills to handle mental health crises. This gap in education can lead to negative outcomes for both inmates and the correctional system as a whole.
Findings from the Review
The review analyzed 11 studies out of 1492 articles, focusing on mental health education programs for COs. These programs, which included general mental health education, skill-specific training, and suicide prevention, showed improvements in COs' knowledge, skills, and attitudes. However, the positive effects often declined post-training, indicating a need for ongoing education and support.
- General Mental Health Education: Programs that combined didactic and experiential teaching methods were most effective. COs preferred facilitators with correctional or lived mental health experience.
- Skill-Specific Programs: Training in motivational interviewing and counseling skills showed significant improvements, especially when less time elapsed between sessions.
- Suicide Prevention: Programs like STORM, which included role-plays and group feedback, improved COs' confidence and knowledge in managing suicide risks.
Recommendations for Practitioners
For practitioners looking to implement or improve mental health education for COs, the review suggests several strategies:
- Incorporate experiential learning methods, such as role-plays and group discussions, to enhance engagement and retention.
- Utilize facilitators with relevant correctional experience to make the curriculum more applicable to COs' work.
- Implement ongoing training sessions every 9 to 18 months to maintain and reinforce skills.
Conclusion
The narrative review underscores the potential of mental health education programs to empower COs and improve inmate outcomes. By integrating continuing professional development (CPD) best practices and robust evaluation methods, future programs can achieve even greater success. Practitioners are encouraged to explore the original research for a deeper understanding of these findings.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Inmates Through Education for Correctional Officers—A Narrative Review.
