Police, courts and prison

This section has information that might help if you or someone you know is involved with the police, court or prison.

Complaints about criminal courts

This section looks at how and when you can complain about court or officials working there. This section only looks at complaints about the Crown and magistrates’ courts of the criminal court system in England and Wales. It is for anyone who lives with mental illness and has experienced the court system, and their friends, family and carers.

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Complaints about prison

This section explains how you can complain about prison. It explains any time limits you have when making a complaint, and what you can do if you are still not happy. This information is for people affected by mental illness over 18 in England. And their carers, relatives and friends.

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Complaints about the probation service

This section is for people who are living with mental illness and have been involved with the probation service. This section looks at how and when you can complain about them.

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Prison - Going in

Going into prison can be a very difficult time. It can also be a difficult time for your carers, relatives or friends who may be supporting you. There is help and support for you and your loved ones. This section looks at the types of prisons in England, and what happens when you first go in. This section is for people living with mental illness who are in prison. And their carers, relatives and friends.

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Prison - Planning for release

Leaving prison can be an exciting time. It can also be scary. You might not know what to expect or how to deal with the challenges you may face. This section looks at how you can plan for release from prison and who might be able to help.

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Prisons - How are they run and what can I do there?

This section looks at how prisons are run and some things you can do there. It also looks at how you can get help and support and visitors to prison. This information is for people in prison in England who are 18 or over and for their carers, relatives and friends.

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Prisoners and self-harm

This information looks at what self-harm is and why you might self-harm in prison. It could help if you are using self-harm to cope with how you’re feeling. Or if you are thinking about self-harming. It explains what support you can get and how to help yourself.

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Prisoners - Suicidal thoughts - How to cope

This section may help you if you are in prison and dealing with suicidal thoughts, feelings, or intentions. It has ideas you can try to help yourself. It explains how you can stay safe, and how you can get support. This information is for adult prisoners in England who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. It’s also for their loved ones, carers and anyone interested in the subject.

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Police stations - What happens if I'm arrested?

This section looks at what happens when the police arrest you if they think you have committed a crime. It looks at your rights at the police station and what happens after you have been arrested. It also looks at what the outcome might be. This information is for adults affected by mental illness in England and their loved ones and carers. It’s also for anyone else interested in the subject.

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Appropriate adult - At the police station

An appropriate adult is someone who will support you if you are arrested or questioned by the police. This section looks at what an appropriate adult does and who can get their support.

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Complaints about the police

This section looks at how you can complain about the police and when you can complain. It also looks at what you can do if you’re not happy with the outcome of your complaint. This information is for adults affected by mental illness in England. It’s also for their loved ones and carers and anyone interested in this subject.

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Mental health care in prison

This section looks at what healthcare you should get if you’re in prison. And at what to do if you aren’t getting the help you need. Prisoners should have the same access to healthcare as everyone else. This information is for people affected by mental illness in prison in England who are 18 or over. It’s also for their carers, friends and relatives and anyone interested in this subject.

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Criminal courts and mental health

If you are charged with an offence, you must go to court. This section looks at the different criminal courts in England and Wales and how they work. It looks at how your mental health can be considered in court, and the possible outcomes of a court case. This information is for people affected by mental illness in England who are 18 or over. It’s also for their carers, friends and relatives and anyone interested in this subject.

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