were a number of accuracy and reliability issues, the MDS was used to provide a summary of data for the NE IOM-MH project. The triangulation of the three types and sources of data qualitative interviews/focus groups, – case studies, and quantitative MDS allowed for cross-checking emergent themes for – convergence and the exploration of new lines of enquiry (Bryman, 2004). Ethics approval for this study was obtained in line with the University of Northumbria’s ethics approval process, including approvals from the two Mental Health Trusts, the Regional Psychologist, and Health and Justice (North East & Cumbria). Findings Characteristics of Cases Analysis of the MDS described, between December 2012–May 2013, the IOM-MH service had received a combined 67 referrals (40% of the overall IOM caseload, which fits with research which suggests that 39% of offenders supervised by probation services have a current mental health condition (Centre for Mental Health, 2012)), with an average age of 30 years (18-48 years), majority male (81%; n=54), and all British’. Reflecting the ‘white characteristics of those referred to IOM services, clients had committed frequent and/or acquisitive crime. The majority had over 10 previous convictions (82%; n=55); 60% (n=40) had served two or more prison sentences and the majority were subject to existing licence or supervision requirements (88%; n=59) for offences such as theft (39%; n=26) or violence against the person (24%; n=16). They were likely to misuse drugs (72%, n=48) and/or alcohol (39%, n=26) and presented with a range of current mental health issues including depression, anxiety and personality disorder (81%; n=54). They were also likely to have had previous or current contact with MH services (73%; n=49) but a poor record of engagement. Strengths
were a number of accuracy and reliability issues, the MDS was used to provide a summary of data for the NE IOM-MH project. The triangulation of the three types and sources of data – qualitative interviews/focus groups, case studies, and quantitative MDS – allowed for cross-checking emergent themes for convergence and the exploration of new lines of enquiry (Bryman, 2004). Ethics approval for this study was obtained in line with the University of Northumbria’s ethics approval process, including approvals from the two Mental Health Trusts, the Regional Psychologist, and Health and Justice (North East & Cumbria). Findings Characteristics of Cases Analysis of the MDS described, between December 2012–May 2013, the IOM-MH service had received a combined 67 referrals (40% of the overall IOM caseload, which fits with research which suggests that 39% of offenders supervised by probation services have a current mental health condition (Centre for Mental Health, 2012)), with an average age of 30 years (18-48 years), majority male (81%; n=54), and all ‘white British’. Reflecting the characteristics of those referred to IOM services, clients had committed frequent and/or acquisitive crime. The majority had over 10 previous convictions (82%; n=55); 60% (n=40) had served two or more prison sentences and the majority were subject to existing licence or supervision requirements (88%; n=59) for offences such as theft (39%; n=26) or violence against the person (24%; n=16). They were likely to misuse drugs (72%, n=48) and/or alcohol (39%, n=26) and presented with a range of current mental health issues including depression, anxiety and personality disorder (81%; n=54). They were also likely to have had previous or current contact with MH services (73%; n=49) but a poor record of engagement. Strengths
Social_Policy_and_Society_IOM_and_MH_article_%2D_Wendy_Dyer_with_revisions.docx