Journal of Socialomics

Abstract

Results of the Computerized Mental Health Screening System for Female Offenders

Lynn A Stewart, Kyle Archambault and Geoffrey Wilton

Objective: To estimate the proportion of incoming female offenders in the Canadian federal correctional system requiring mental health services based on results of a Computerized Mental Health Intake Screening System (CoMHISS).

Method: Consecutive admissions to the five regional women’s prisons in the Correctional Service of Canada were approached to consent to participate in the CoMHISS. The screening process combines two psychological self-report measures, the Brief Symptom Inventory, and the Depression Hopelessness and Suicide Screening Form. Results were analyzed based on the percentage of women who met established cut-off scores on the measures and further analyzed by Aboriginal ethnicity.

Results: Sixty-two percent of the sample reported elevated levels of psychological distress that would warrant further assessment. Although higher for Aboriginal women, the mean scores did not differ significantly from those of non-Aboriginal women. The rate of co-occurring substance abuse among women reporting psychological distress was estimated at 70%.

Conclusions: Planning for the delivery of mental health services for federally sentenced women should consider their high rates and variety of psychological problems. Specific correctional treatment planning requires attention to criminogenic needs as well as mental health issues and serious substance abuse problems. Mental health providers for women in prison should be aware of the significant likelihood of co-morbid substance abuse disorders and mental health problems and prepare women to identify follow up services to address these problems on release.