Over the past years, MAP has continued to advocate for improved standards of practice when it comes to Mental Health and the Law. In light of this, a significant gap in our local services has been identified, which we believe should be highlighted and given utmost priority. This lacuna includes the absence of a formal forensic mental health service within Malta’s Mental Health Service. A forensic mental health service is one which specialises in the assessment, treatment and management of mentally disordered offenders and individuals with similar needs. Such a service would include both inpatient and outpatient branches which would cater for the care and rehabilitation of such offenders, thus, not only improving the standard of care received by these individuals, but also making a major contribution towards promoting public safety and reducing crime rates. Whilst mental health input is present within the prison service, in the form of multidisciplinary services for inmates, as well as the inpatient units on Mount Carmel Hospital grounds, it is imperative that these services evolve into a forensic service which lines up with international guidelines. A recent local study has highlighted the need for such a service in our country, identifying a cohort of individuals who would be receiving more appropriate care if a forensic mental health service were available. Furthermore, Mental Health Services should strive to work closely with the criminal justice system, including the Correctional Services Agency, to provide a cohesive and holistic model of care with the joint aim of rehabilitation and recovery of mentally disordered offenders. Additionally, improvements in Maltese mental health legislation are needed to further safeguard and improve the care received by this vulnerable cohort of individuals. MAP’s subcommittee for Mental Health and the Law has been working towards raising awareness of this major gap in our service, in the hopes of propelling future service development.
