Policy framework establishes expectation for accurate incident reporting
The Department has a clear policy and procedural framework requiring custodial staff to report all incidents involving threats of self-harm, acts of self-harm and actual attempts of suicide. The definition of self-harm and attempted suicide used by the Department generally align with mental health agencies. However, the Department’s definition of an attempted suicide requires a confirmation of the intent of the person in addition to an act to end life. Identifying suicidal intent can be difficult. We take the position that the Department should consider using the Mental Health Commission’s definition, which focusses less on intent and more broadly on non-fatal suicidal behaviours.
Some self-harm and attempted suicide occurrences are not recorded correctly
Analysis of departmental data found not all self-harm and attempted suicide incidents were being recorded correctly. Over a nine-month period, we identified at least 18 attempted suicide incidents that had been misclassified as a self-harm. An additional 20 incidents were identified that appeared to include an act to end life but did not record any suicidal intent. We also identified over 300 incidents that included suicidal behaviours but were listed as acts or threats of self-harm in lieu of a suicidal behaviour category. By introducing this category and a clinical review process, the Department will have a clearer understanding of the prevalence of self-harm and attempted suicides across the estate.