[Police and judicial actors on complex mental health care needs and judicial protection measures].

Abstract

Background: People with severe mental illness frequently experience difficulties in other life domains, such as physical health conditions, comorbid substance abuse, unstable housing or structural poverty. The interaction between these difficulties creates a complex care need that often goes unmet. In addition, they regularly come into contact with the legal system and police, through penal as well as protective measures.

Aim: To gain insight into the vision of actors from the judiciary and police into complex mental health care needs and judicial protective measures.

Method: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 actors from the judiciary system and police.

Results: Participants see the interaction of difficulties in different life domains as complex. They are critical of the provision of care for this population. Participants are very open towards intersectoral collaboration, but confidentiality and a lack of structural partnerships hinders this. Involuntary admission and legal guardianship are generally considered meaningful protective measures.

Conclusion: In line with the vision of the mental health services, actors from the police and justice system consider the interaction between difficulties in different life domains as complex. They see a need for intensive, long-term and assertive care and a wide range of assisted living forms where integrated care is offered to people with complex mental health care needs. Judicial actors and police are willing to play a role in this. Further research into and development of accessible and, where necessary assertive, intersectoral care is necessary.