Specialist units

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Prisoners receive advice and full information about the unit and treatment.
• Assessment results are communicated to prisoners in a timely manner and in a form they can understand.
• Prisoners receive ongoing support to manage the impact of change as they progress through treatment.
• All staff on the unit support its ethos, have an understanding and awareness of the specific needs of prisoners with personality disorders, and receive adequate training, supervision and support.
• There is a clear clinical governance structure in place and regular clinical audits.
• The assessment and treatment models used are evidence-based (for example, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance linked to research into personality disorders) and have a clear rationale for their inclusion in the process.
• Prisoners can negotiate temporary periods of withdrawal from the programme.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Prisoners in treatment have equitable access to the regime and services available in the mainstream population, including appointments, education, work and leisure opportunities.
• Prisoners in treatment are included in routine prisoner consultative groups or have their own consultative process.
• Prisoners are not prevented from using the official complaints procedures.
• There is no pressure on prisoners to forgo parole.
• Prisoners’ rights to medical confidentiality are respected.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• The treatment aims to reduce risk of harm.
• Prisoners can contribute to their care and treatment plan, which is reviewed regularly. The family and/or legal representatives are encouraged to participate.
• There are established pathways of progression to environments which support the changes that have been made in treatment.
• Prisoners receive clear information about the likely duration of assessments and treatment phases.
• Data is used well to scrutinise outcomes for those applying for or undertaking the programme.
• Prisoners who are excluded or who withdraw consent are reintegrated back into the mainstream as quickly as possible.
• Planning for progression starts in time for release or for a progressive move to be available when appropriate.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Prisoners receive advice and full information in writing about the unit and treatment, prior to arrival.
• Prisoners understand the distinct differences between the therapeutic community (TC) and more traditional regimes.
• Prisoners are introduced to the community after their arrival at the TC, following an appropriate assessment and induction period.
• The rules and expectations of the TC are understood by prisoners.
• Prisoners understand how infringements of the rules will be dealt with.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• The TC has a structured and supportive assessment process, delivered in accordance with the requirements described in the treatment manuals.
• Assessment results are communicated to prisoners in a timely manner and in a form they can understand.
• Prisoners receive ongoing support to manage the impact of change as they progress through the TC.
• Staff support the unit’s ethos, understand the approach adopted and receive adequate training, supervision and support.
• There is a clear clinical governance structure in place and regular clinical audits.
• Assessment and treatment models are evidence-based and have a clear purpose.
• Prisoners can negotiate temporary periods of withdrawal from the programme.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Prisoners have equitable access to the regime and services available to the mainstream population, including appointments, education, work and leisure opportunities.
• Prisoners are included in routine prisoner consultative groups or have their own consultative process and are expected to contribute.
• Prisoners are not prevented from using the official complaints procedures.
• There is no pressure on any members of the TC to forgo parole.
• Prisoners’ rights to medical confidentiality are respected.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Sufficient resources are available, including suitable rooms to ensure group and individual-based work can take place according to the published programme.
• Prisoners, together with staff, resolve all community issues.
• Prisoners are encouraged and able to make a contribution to the community.
• Prisoners have access to interventions that meet their identified needs.
• The TC is suitably accredited.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Treatment aims are related to a reduction in the risk of harm.
• Prisoners can contribute to their care and treatment plan, which is reviewed regularly. The family and/or legal representatives are encouraged to participate.
• There are established pathways of progression to environments which support the changes that have been made in treatment.
• Prisoners receive clear information about the likely duration of assessments and stay in the TC.
• Data is used effectively to scrutinise outcomes for those applying to or undertaking the programme.
• Prisoners who are excluded or who withdraw consent are reintegrated back into the mainstream population as quickly as possible.
• Planning for progression starts in time for release, or a progressive move to be available when appropriate.