A first of its kind unit in Ontario intends to meet the unique needs of females in the correctional system with mental health issues. Ontario announced Nov. 1 that the unit will have a capacity for 32 incarcerated female individuals and open in early 2018 as part of a new adult female detention centre in Brampton. The unit aims to meet the specific needs of females with mental health issues by providing specialized facilities and services. It was a key recommendation in a 2015 Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services report on improving mental health care for female inmates.
Individuals in correctional facilities face a number of unique health challenges and are much more likely to be dealing with mental health issues than the general population.
The provision of effective mental health support and care for individuals in correctional facilities is key to ensuring that all Ontarians receive equitable access to health care. Such individuals face a number of unique health challenges and are much more likely to be dealing with mental health issues than the general population. Conditions in correctional facilities can often compound and perpetuate these issues.
CMHA Ontario advocates for the more effective and equitable treatment of incarcerated individuals with mental health issues. As Ontario reviews its use of segregation for incarcerated individuals, we recommended that the practice never be used for persons with mental health issues.