Case Study 2 a Forensic Mental Health Database to Implement a Suicide Prevention Program

Trouble has been brewing for the past year within the state's correctional system. A series of inmate suicides in state prisons and in county detention centers has drawn adverse publicity about the provision (or lack) of mental health services to inmates. These incidents most often occur in minimum security prisons or in detention centers while prisoners are awaiting trial. The Legislative Commission on Program Audit and Review has issued a special report on the subject charging that the absence of reliable screening and identification procedures is a root cause of failure to prevent suicides.