Question On Notice No. 1059 asked in the Legislative Council on 20 March 2018 by Hon Alison Xamon
Question Directed to the: Minister for Environment representing the Minister for Corrective Services
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the Inspector of Custodial Services report Transitional
Services in Western Australian Prisons and to concerns that ‘many prisoners
with chronic mental health conditions left prison with little to no formal
support’, and I ask:
(a) has the department undertaken or planned any work to address this gap; and
(b) if yes to (a), please provide information about this work?
Answered on 8 May 2018
The Department of Justice advises:
(a) Yes.
(b) A forensic mental health prison in-reach transition service was established in February 2017, in collaboration with the Department and the North Metropolitan Health Service. This service assists prisoners who experience severe and enduring mental illness to prepare for their release and facilitates the transition between prison and community mental health services.