The mental ill health of women in custody is a serious issue. Studies have shown high levels of mental distress among women offenders, with the illness or its symptoms, often manifested in drug and alcohol abuse, being factors in their criminal behaviour. This is then compounded by being held in custody as a result of their crimes, leading to a further deterioration in their mental
well-being. This report sets out the key findings and recommendations of the work and in particular the role of the NHS when responsibility for the health of those in custody is fully transferred to PCTs in April 2006. This report is intended to be read by all those concerned with the effects and after-effects of custody on the mental health of women, and not just the organisations to whom the recommendations are directly addressed. Two key messages underpinning all the recommendations is the need for partnership working within establishments, between government departments, and between statutory and voluntary organisations in the community, and the need to make interventions at an early stage of a woman’s contact with the criminal justice system.