Executive summary:

Internationally, the prevalence of mental health problems and mental disorder among people subject to Probation Service supervision is significantly higher than in the general population. The studies in this report, conducted last year, show that Ireland is no exception. 

• In these studies, at least 40% of adults on a Probation Supervision Order, compared to 18.5%of the general population, present with symptoms indicative of at least one mental health problem. Women present with higher rates of active symptoms and higher rates of contact with services currently and in the past for mental health problems. 

• Approximately 50% of all people supervised by the Probation Service in the community that present with mental health problems also present with one or more of the following issues as well: alcohol and drug misuse, difficult family relationships, and accommodation instability. 

• There are significant and unmet psychological and psychiatric needs among persons subject to Probation Supervision. These findings show that we need improved access and engagement routes to mental health services; there is a need for cross agency working and a focused government approach to ensure this can happen.