CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PS UNDERSCORES COMMITMENT TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES

 By Nicholas Kigondu

The State Department for Correctional Services is adopting evidence-based strategies to address the challenge of mental health within the correctional system.

Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from AMREF and the University of Verona, Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco said among the strategies being employed by the department includes seeking partnerships with stakeholders to build capacity for those working in correctional services.

She said the department has already mainstreamed mental health with the establishment of mental health committees within all correctional facilities in the country targeting both offenders and staff.

“If we don’t decisively deal with the current problem, it is a time bomb. We in the correctional services are the ones who bears the brunt,” observed the PS.

The PS said the expertise of AMREF on mental health matters will be invaluable as the department moves to develop a manual and curriculum on mental health.

According to Roberta Rughetti, Amref Italy Head of Programs, her organization is ready to support the department in efforts aimed at conducting research and developing early interventions that are both targeted and effective.

The State Department for Correctional Services Principal Secretary has prioritized mental health with a focus on addressing existing gaps in access to mental health care, stress management for staff and trauma recovery for offenders.