Dual diagnosis service development in a male local prison: description of a case study

Abstract

This paper proposes a model for a dual diagnosis service within a male local prison. Dual diagnosis can be considered usual rather than exceptional within the establishment and indeed within the prison estate. For a variety of reasons, it is found that effective dual diagnosis service delivery represents core business for a range of stakeholders. The dual diagnosis definition preferred is ‘a mental disorder and substance misuse problem in the same person at the same time’. Analysis of the strengths of current service provision and the risks to the development of a new service model are explored through a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis. Current literature and policies inform the model, and it is concluded that a dual diagnosis service can be implemented mostly within existing resources. An implementation schedule highlights one such pathway. Stakeholders were consulted and generally found to be receptive.

Citation

Hoyle, C. (2009), "Dual diagnosis service development in a male local prison: description of a case study", Advances in Dual Diagnosis, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 5-12. https://doi.org/10.1108/17570972200900002