Government failing on mental health services for the young people in Welsh prisons

12.00.00am GMT Tue 24th Feb 2009

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Minister, Peter Black has criticised the Welsh Government for its failure to provide a Community Adolescent Mental Health Service for young offenders in Welsh prisons.

Mr Black's comments came during First Ministers Questions in the National Assembly today where he asked the First Minister to make a statement on prison mental health services. The First Minister admitted that services are not to the standard they should be, noting the 'continuing deficit in Child and Adult Mental Health Services.'

Earlier this month, Bridgend Labour MP, Madeleine Moon, criticised the Welsh Assembly Government for their failure to provide the same support to young prisoners as is provided in England. Even going as far as to write "vulnerable children are being denied a service they have a right to receive and one that is provided to children in England. Welsh children in Parc Prison are suffering emotional pain and long-term suffering because they fall through the devolution gap." She also stated that 85% of children in prison show signs of a personality disorder and one in ten show signs of a psychotic illness.

"The First Minister has admitted that he is aware of the issues, but there seems to be no sign of any willingness to fix the problems." said Mr Black. "Surely when he sees criticism coming from senior figures in his own party he should realise that there is a real problem! That is especially so when weaknesses in Child and Adult Mental Services have been highlighted by the Children's Commissioner from almost the very first day of the creation of that office."

"Young people in prison are highly susceptible to mental health problems as a result of their incarceration, many more are undiagnosed when they enter the system. They need treatment and support whilst they are in prison and on release. It is important to help them cope with depression and avoid the risk of suicide."

"English prisons already have this provision and extra funding so as to develop it further. Wales must not be left behind."