Table 2 The Psychiatric prison inreach and court liaison model: summary of PICLS process
1. Screening: identification of prisoners with severe mental illness | Daily screening of prison committals |
● Previous psychiatric contact | |
● Psychiatric medication | |
● History of self-harm | |
● Homeless | |
● Observed unusual behaviour | |
● Charged with homicide or arson | |
● Referrals from courts, prison staff community | |
● services and other sources | |
2. Triage: Identification of Appropriate Treatment Options | Major offence: major mental illness |
● Transfer to Central Mental Hospital | |
Minor offence: major mental illness | |
● Inpatient or outpatient community treatment in event of bail | |
or other non-custodial disposal | |
Major offence: minor mental illness | |
● Follow-up in prison | |
Minor offence: minor mental illness | |
● Prison follow-up | |
3. Collateral History & Liaison: Continuity of care | ● Relatives |
● Community psychiatric services | |
● Garda Siochana (Police) | |
● Probation and welfare services | |
● Solicitor | |
● Homeless agencies where relevant | |
● Other agencies as required | |
● Daily liaison with prison nursing staff | |
● Weekly case management meetings of all patients actively managed by service. | |
● Weekly case review meetings with prison medical, nursing and other staff. | |
4. Court appearance | ● Court report |
● Staff present in court where needed for communication and assistance in transfer to hospital | |
● Bail conditions sought | |
5. Treatment | ● Diversion to appropriate treatment location |