Across Western Australian’s custodial estate there are seven crisis care units (CCUs) where at-risk prisoners can be monitored and supported.
A new CCU at Banksia Hill Detention Centre for young people is under construction and planning of CCU infrastructure upgrades for WA’s biggest prison, Casuarina, is underway.
Department staff actively monitor the demand for mental health services across the estate, directing resources to where they are required most to support those who are vulnerable and at risk.
A recent funding boost will see more clinical and Psychological Health Services staff at Hakea, the State’s biggest remand prison.
Since the review, additional CCTV has been installed in common areas, providing better coverage within the CCU at Hakea.
Efforts are also being made by individual facilities to improve the appearance of CCUs and create a more therapeutic environment through inclusion of artwork, lighting and furniture like at the Bindi Bindi unit within Bandyup Women’s Prison and Melaleuca Women’s Prison, something which was commented positively on by OICS.
Department Director General Kylie Maj said the Department remains committed to providing the best possible care in a safe and therapeutic environment for prisoners at acute risk of self-harm or suicide.
“The growing prisoner population has seen more prisoners present with poor mental health,” she said.
“This, in conjunction with limited bed capacity for prisoners at the State’s only secure forensic hospital, has meant greater demands on mental health infrastructure and resources across the custodial estate to support prisoners needing crisis care.
“Our dedicated clinical and custodial staff continue to manage the estate’s CCUs.
“The Department will continue to strive to improve our CCUs and create therapeutic environments for mentally unwell prisoners.”
Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said short-term measures and long-term planning are aimed at the provision of appropriate infrastructure and adequate mental health resources.
“Construction and planning for the future is underway,” he said.
“Recruitment campaigns for multiple positions to bolster the clinical workforce at Hakea Prison have also been launched.
“In addition, individual prisons are looking to enhance existing facilities with a focus on the wellbeing and recovery of offenders placed in the CCUs, while future capital works will be based on therapeutic design principles to help improve prospects of rehabilitation.”
