Federal Prison System Lacks Resources for Long-Term Mental Health Care

A recent watchdog report by the Correctional Investigator of Canada reveals serious deficiencies in the federal prison system's capacity to provide long-term mental health care. According to the report, weak policies, insufficient staff training, and a lack of specialized treatment options hinder the Correctional Service of Canada's efforts to support inmates with mental health challenges. The ombudsman, Ivan Zinger, emphasized that the federal prison service is fundamentally ill-equipped to manage individuals experiencing severe psychiatric distress, suicidal thoughts, or chronic self-injury.

Zinger pointed out that while the Correctional Service of Canada routinely transfers inmates needing complex physical care to external hospitals, there is a misguided belief that it can effectively handle specialized psychiatric care internally. He argued that just as it would be unthinkable to perform complex physical procedures within a prison, the same logic applies to mental health care. The report highlights an absence of effective screening and assessment protocols, which has resulted in poor identification and access to necessary services for many inmates.

The findings are based on six national investigations, involving 425 interviews with incarcerated individuals and site visits across various institutions. Zinger's office discovered that the existing mental health policies within the prison system are often vague, outdated, or completely non-existent, creating confusion and inconsistency in care delivery. Furthermore, the report details that the five Regional Treatment Centres, which are supposed to provide psychiatric services, are inadequately equipped and primarily function as intermediate and geriatric care facilities rather than true psychiatric hospitals.

Zinger calls for a critical re-evaluation of these treatment centres, urging for the transfer of inmates with acute psychiatric needs to specialized, external facilities capable of delivering appropriate care. He labeled the current approach as ineffective and a violation of human rights, contending that the prison system is increasingly resembling a warehouse for mentally ill and aging individuals rather than a place focused on treatment and recovery.

In response to the report, the Correctional Service acknowledged these criticisms and stated that its health services, including Regional Treatment Centres, are accredited and designed to meet the needs of inmates. However, Zinger argues that the proposed $1.3 billion replacement facility in the Atlantic region represents a significant misallocation of resources. Instead of investing in another in-house facility, he suggests that the government should partner with provincial health systems to expand access to secure psychiatric beds in the community.

Emilie Coyle from the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies supported Zinger's findings. She pointed out that in a tough-on-crime atmosphere, there is often a lack of empathy for those incarcerated, who frequently struggle with mental health disabilities and substance use issues. The report underscores that inadequate mental health support not only impacts the well-being of incarcerated individuals but also poses risks to public safety by leaving them without essential health and mental addiction care upon release from prison.