B.14.02 Managing an Prisoner At-Risk to Themselves (National Procedure)

Procedure Standard

• A prisoner assessed as being at-risk of self-harm has an approved management plan developed and monitored

Necessary Forms and Requirements

Forms:

• F1 Observation form. (As per B.14.01.F2)
• F2 Local Re-assessment Form (As per B.14.03.F1)

Requirements:

• R1 At risk Prisoner file
• R2 At risk Prisoner Management Plan (As per B.14.02.F1)
• R3 Observing an inmate at risk (as per B.14.01.R2)

Procedure

1. If it is decided by the relevant manager that the prisoner is deemed to be at risk of self-harm, a Prisoner At-risk Management Plan (B.14.02.F1) is developed and implemented according to requirements in consultation with appropriate support personnel, including input from health services medical staff, cultural advisors and whanau.
2. An “At-risk File” is established and maintained according to requirement.
3. If the at-risk prisoner is also subject to a segregation direction for the purpose of medical oversight he or she will also need to be managed in accordance with the applicable requirements of the National System – Segregation of Prisoners.
4. An at-risk prisoner is reassessed for their at-risk status at critical points during their time in custody.
5. When the prisoner is deemed by the relevant manager to be no longer at-risk, the file is placed with the prisoner’s penal file, but should still be clearly identifiable.
6. The Risk of Self Harm alert on IOMS is deactivated prior to the prisoner being moved out of the At Risk unit, but
7. For prisoners with a history of self harming behaviour and or attempted suicide the RISK OF SUICIDE IOMS alert must be activated and kept active for the entire time the prisoner is in custody.
   Note: The review date of the alert should be the Sentence Release Date for sentenced prisoners or Remand End Date for a remand / accused prisoner.

If the prisoner returns to custody, the RISK OF SUICIDE historic alert must be re-activated.

Regional Manager

• Ensure that staff are trained and equipped to recognise and respond to prisoners who are, or may become, at-risk

Support Personnel

• Develop the prisoner’s At Risk Management Plan

Unit Manager

1. Decide whether the prisoner is deemed to be at-risk of self-harm.
2. Ensure prisoner management plan is developed and updated as necessary in consultation with appropriate support personnel.
3. Ensure people interacting with the prisoner are informed of the prisoner's at-risk level.
4. Initiate at-risk file and ensure all documents are maintained on the file.
5. Check alert system activated on IOMS (current and historic).
6. Ensure the prisoner’s at-risk management plan is monitored and reviewed.
7. Activate Risk of Suicide IOMS alert for prisoners with a history of self harming behaviour and or attempted suicide.