PLANS TO DEVELOP A CORRECTIONAL SERVICES MENTAL HEALTH MANUAL UNDERWAY
PLANS TO DEVELOP A CORRECTIONAL SERVICES MENTAL HEALTH MANUAL UNDERWAY
By Pili Chimerah
The State Department for Correctional Services is in the process of developing a mental health manual and guidelines to guide in the provision of mental health care for all its staff and clientele.
Speaking in Ruiru at the Prisons Staff Training College during the closing ceremony of a Mental health Wellness Training Workshop for Correctional Services Senior Officers, State Department for Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome M-Beacco said her department remains committed to enhancing mental health awareness and services.
“We recognize 3 guiding principles that should apply to everyone in the State Department: prevention, treatment, and reintegration. Because part of a healthy society must be that people know that there is help available if they are in distress,” she said.
She said the manual will be guided by the Kenya Mental Health Policy 2015-2030 as well as the National guidelines on work place mental wellness.
Citing existing evidence indicating that an estimated 15% of the working population is living with at least one mental health condition, the PS observed that workplaces with a good supportive environment can be a source of satisfaction and growth, as well as a place that fosters mental wellness.
Speaking at the same forum, Director General of health Dr. Patrick Amoth assured full support of the ministry in helping the state department develop the document.
“I am pleased that madam PS has picked the need for you to contextualize the development of a Mental Health manual to be able to serve you in your uniqueness at your level and to be able to develop other frameworks. I assure you of our support as a ministry through giving you technical expertise during the development of your document.” He pledged.
He said the ministry of health has developed Policies, guidelines and frameworks to institutionalize mental care services as part of the overall health services.
The two-day training was sponsored by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).