Diversion from Custody. II: Effect on Hospital and Prison Resources

Abstract

Two hundred and one referrals to a psychiatric assessment scheme based at two inner-London magistrates' courts were followed up to assess the effect of the scheme on hospital and prison resources. Of the 65 hospital admissions, 50 (77%) derived some or marked benefit from psychiatric treatment. Those who did badly were more likely to be of no fixed abode, and had higher rates of criminality and previous compulsory admission to hospital. Absconding was the largest management problem; 30 (46%) of those admitted did so. Twelve months after admission, all patients except one had been discharged; 10 (15%) had been readmitted to hospital. The scheme generated an extra 21 (64%) hospital admissions per annum from the two courts, compared with the three years before its introduction. The saving in remand time to the prison was approximately double the increased admission time to hospital. However, the overall effect of early diversion on hospital and prison resources was small.