Brown demands action to tackle soaring rates of self-harm in young offenders (Midlothian Liberal Democrats)

Midlothian Liberal Democrats <laird.ross@btinternet.com>

Brown demands action to tackle soaring rates of self-harm in young offenders

August 10, 2010 4:53 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Robert Brown MSP has called for more support for young offenders who self harm to help break the cycle of reoffending.

Figures released to Mr Brown show that the number of young offenders in Cornton Vale who self harmed in 2009 was well over double the number in 2008.

Commenting, Mr Brown said:

"The shocking rise in self harm recorded at Cornton Vale is particularly alarming.

"Mental health services will clearly be challenged by this trend. The Scottish Government must make sure that mental health services provided in prisons are adequate and focused on the individuals most in need.

"Inmates in Cornton Vale have already complained about the lack of rehabilitation facilities. We also know that overcrowding is still a serious issue and that the Scottish Prison Service feels that this is to blame for the lack of specialist services for inmates.

"Rehabilitation and mental health services are a critical tool in the fight to break the cycle of reoffending, particularly for young offenders."