Fears for mental health
Prison inmates ‘denied access’ to help due to staffing issues
THERE are concerns inmates at Risdon Prison are not getting adequate access to counselling or support services, with claims short staffing issues are preventing support workers from seeing prisoners.
Prisoners Legal Service chairman Greg Barns SC said he was made aware of the potential problem recently.
“We are concerned with reports that ex-Ashley detainees who have made claims of sexual abuse are not
getting adequate access to support workers and services at Risdon Prison because of staffing issues,” Mr Barns said.
“What we’re being told is they’re being denied access because of staffing access in the prison.”
Mr Barns believed a number of prisoners were affected.
“Every time an appointment is cancelled, it creates stress for prisoners and it means they’re not getting the support they ought to be getting,” he said.
“We are deeply concerned
for the mental health of these young prisoners.”
Mr Barns said a large number of prisoners have been sexually abused.
“You’ve got prisoners, who are graduates of Ashleys, who require therapeutic intervention while they’re in prison,” Mr Barns said.
“There are a number of prisoners who are a part of legal action because of claims of sexual abuse at Ashley.
“All prisoners who have made claims of sexual abuse should have full access to support workers.”
“Given the government’s welcome commitment to the closure of Ashley, there ought to be priority given to fixing this particular issue.”
Mr Barns said the government needed to ensure full access to counselling and “proper” support staff.
“If there are staffing issues preventing counsellors getting into the prisons, we say that’s a breach of duty of care and it needs to be fixed,” Mr Barns said.
A Department of Justice spokesperson said support was being provided.
“Any prisoner in crisis due to poor mental health will always be seen by a member of the Therapeutic Services Unit as a matter of priority, regardless of staffing arrangements,” they said.
“Further, health appointments are prioritised and generally facilitated regardless of whether a facility is locked down or not.”
“The Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) has continued to deliver counselling onsite.”