Suicide in Prisons

An up-to-date review of recent research into suicide and self-injury in prisons, making links between the research, the prison context, and related practise-based issues. It covers all the key issues for those working in the Prison Service Suicide Prevention Policy and Practice

Suicide in Prisons a Critique of UK Research

Intentional Self-injury

Risk Assessment and Management

Working with Suicidal Prisoners

The Role of Formalized Peer Support in Helping the Suicidal

Training Staff in Suicide Awareness

The Aftermath of a Death in Prison Custody

Future Directions

Graham Towl is Head of Psychology for the Prison Service and the National Probation Service. He is the Co-founder and Editor of The British Journal of Forensic Practice. His recent publications include ‘The Handbook of Psychology for Forensic Practitioners’ (1996) and journal articles on suicide and self-injury in prisons and risk assessment with offenders.

Louisa Snow is conducting doctoral research at University of Kent, Canterbury.

Martin McHugh is Head of the Management Selection and Succession Unit within the Prison Service.

Suicides in institutions are a major problem. Relatives and friends, staff and fellow patients/prisoners are all affected. In any type of institution, closed or open, common themes emerge in suicide prevention. This book explores the prison setting and describes the development of suicide prevention strategies. These issues are relevant across the wider forensic setting.

Suicide in Prisons provides an up-to-date review of recent research into suicide and self-injury in prisons, and makes links between the research, the prison context and related practice-based issues. Key issues covered included suicide prevention, self-injury, risk assessment, peer group support and staff training. It provides the reader with a good background to aid informed practice.