Supporting children of forensic in-patients: Whose role is it?

Abstract

Aims and Method: To investigate whether children are in contact with their forensic in-patient parents and whether they are offered support regarding their parent's mental health and offending issues. A questionnaire was completed on in-patients in two medium secure units. Results: Only 69 of the in-patients surveyed had children aged 18 or under, but only 25 had contact with their children. Support was offered in 14 cases and accepted in 10. Many patients had lost contact with their children. Clinical Implications: Children of forensic in-patients appear to be a neglected group, with limited attempts made to support them. In the absence of specific difficulties of their own, the onus may be on forensic mental health services to initiate contact.