STATE DEPARTMENT FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, AMREF INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY SIGN MOU ON MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

By Nicholas Kigondu

Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco says the department is moving to professionalize mental health and wellness within the correctional system through specialized training of staff and integration of human rights standards.

Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Department and AMREF International University, the PS said the plan will seek to, among others, develop practical work plans and establish well trained mental health teams to support both staff and offenders.

“The department remains intent on scaling up and professionalizing mental health and wellness space through training and capacity building of technical persons to better deal with emerging trends.” She said.

According to the PS, there is a correlation between certain mental disorders and criminality, adding that some episodes encountered in the course of duty have left traumatic experiences among staff dealing with such cases.

She said the department has implemented a host of targeted reforms meant to champion for mental health and wellness among both staff and offenders with a focus on stress management, trauma recovery, and a shift toward rehabilitative care.

While pledging her institution’s commitment to contribute towards the endeavor, AMREF International University Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Alice Lakati said the partnership presents an opportunity to develop evidence-based policy interventions to address mental health related challenges.

The MOU, signed on Thursday, will seek to establish a framework for corporation in the promotion of mental well-being amongst the State Department’s personnel as well as among offenders. It will allow for mental health related assessments and research, help in the development of mental health related monitoring, reporting and evaluation mechanisms as well as the formulation of evidence-based, mental health related programmatic and policy recommendations.