A recent programme from South Africa on mental health provision in the country. I first looked at certain issues around mental health and criminal justice in South Africa ahead of going there on holiday last year. It was clear from visiting various urban and rural areas that there was much unmet mental health need and a chance conversation with two police officers in Blouberg, near Cape Town, revealed that much police demand is connected to the response to mental ill-health, substance abuse and associated crime and disorder.
However, officers had even less training and access to even fewer support and diversion services. We can see in this programme (25mins) the disparity in care in this beautiful country and how the South African police service get drawn in to demands. All too often, a criminalising response to vulnerable people being the only one available apart from doing nothing at all.
FURTHER LINKS / MORE READING
- The South African Mental Health Care Act 2002
- Recent research article on the South African Police Service use of “Section 40” MHCA 2002.
- Dr Vikram Patel talking about global mental health in developing countries.
- The PRIME website.
- The South African Mental Health Federation – an umbrella organsation for mental health charities.
- The World Health Organisation (UN) report on South Africa’s mental health system (2007).
Winner of the President’s Medal, the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Winner of the Mind Digital Media Award
All opinions expressed are my own – they do not represent the views of any organisation. (c) Michael Brown, 2013
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Mental Health Cop 