Ford – New guide will improve experience of vulnerable people in the justice system

Justice Minister, David Ford has launched a new guide which will help people with mental or emotional ill-health to access fair justice.

‘Mental Health & Wellbeing and Personality Disorders – a guide for criminal justice professionals’ was commissioned by the Department of Justice and developed by MindWise.  

MindWise is a local mental health charity providing services on behalf of the Department to juveniles and mentally vulnerable adults while in custody.

Speaking at the official opening of their new premises at Newforge Lane, Belfast, David Ford said:  “In the course of their work, criminal justice professionals regularly come into contact with children, young people and adults with a variety of mental health issues.  For someone vulnerable due to mental or emotional ill health, contact with the criminal justice system can be a further source of anxiety and distress.

“I want to ensure access to justice for all and to protect the welfare of everyone we come into contact with.  This means ensuring that those who need extra support receive it.  This is why, in partnership with MindWise, my Department has developed this new guide to improve awareness of mental health issues among criminal justice professionals and to provide some practical advice on recognising, working with, and supporting people who are experiencing mental health distress.

“Everyone working in the criminal justice sphere can play a role in supporting people with mental health issues, by treating them with respect and consideration, ensuring they are treated fairly in criminal justice processes, and helping to connect them with the care they need.”

The Minister also acknowledged the ongoing expertise of MindWise staff and volunteers who provide around the clock support to young people and vulnerable members of the community.  He said: “The MindWise team has provided an invaluable service over the last seven years since the inception of the Northern Ireland Appropriate Adult Scheme.  As they enter this new chapter with the opening of their new premises I wish them every success for the future.  I have no doubt they will continue to provide support to those with complex mental health conditions when they need it most.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The Northern Ireland Appropriate Adult Scheme (NIAAS) is a Department of Justice sponsored scheme.
2. The statutory Codes of Practice issued under the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 (commonly referred to as PACE) require an “appropriate adult” to be present when a juvenile or a mentally vulnerable person is being detained in police custody.
3. MindWise have provided the Appropriate Adult service since the inception of the scheme in 2009. They secured a further 5 year contract in 2014 to provide this service.
4. MindWise is a local charity which supports those affected by mental difficulties.
5. MindWise have worked with The DOJ on a number of issues, the latest being the publication launched today by the Minister entitled “Mental Health & Wellbeing and Personality Disorders”.
6. The Guide for criminal justice professionals will improve awareness, and understanding, of mental health conditions.It also provides practical information and advice on working with, and supporting, those experiencing mental health distress as they move through the criminal justice system.
7. View the guide here.
8. For all media queries, please contact the DOJ Press Office on 028 9052 6444.Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.

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