Blogs

Speaker Interview: Mental Health Delivery Within a Secure Environment: A Post Occupancy Evaluation

By Richard C. Eimer AIA posted 10-29-2014 06:22 PM

  
Robert Boraks with Parkin Architects Limited will be 1 of 3 speakers presenting Mental Health Delivery Within A Secure Environment: A Post Occupancy Evaluation at the 2014 AIA AAJ Conference in St. Louis this year. The presentation will examine the state of mental healthcare within the Canadian prison system as well as a post occupancy evaluation of the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre located in Ontario. A unique approach to design and clinical involvement has resulted in positive outcomes. I had a chance to ask Robert a few questions about his presentation over the phone while I took notes and paraphrased his answers.

In a broad sense, how does the Canadian prison system differ from the American system for occupants with mental illness?
Speaking specifically about the Canadian prison system, there are 2 systems: Provincial Corrections and Federal Corrections. Provincial corrections manages offenders who are awaiting trial or who receive a prison sentence of less than 2 years. The Correction Service of Canada is the federal government corrections agency. The Federal corrections supervises offenders who receive a prison sentence of 2 or more years.

Has the Canadian health care system contributed to the success of rehabilitation for mentally ill occupants within a secure facility?
The Canadian health care system is a socialized system which means there is equal access to health care for all Canadians despite one's socioeconomic situation. This applies to inmates as well. If an inmate requires medical attention, including mental health treatment, in theory the appropriate treatment should and will be provided.

What are some examples of architectural features the support clinical programs and services? How can architecture, planning and design support and rehabilitate the occupants?
Designing a normative environment, such as ceramic toilets as opposed to steel toilets, carpet on the floors as opposed to stark concrete, no bars on the high security windows, no locks on cell doors, ample daylighting, providing a care desk as opposed to a control center. Providing humane treatment, not making the offender feel like an animal in a cage, rather providing the occupants with a dignified clinical environment leads to a greater appreciation and respect of their surroundings as well as a calming atmosphere.

What are some innovative practices that can enhance the secure environment and potentially reduce recidivism for occupants with mental health issues?
For the past 10 years the St. Lawrence facility has been operating as a hospital and inmates do not interface with correctional officers unless there is a major incident. Inmates receive direct supervision from the hospital staff who have received security clearance. As a result of this planning and this collaboration between health care and corrections, in the last 10 years of operation there have been no assaults, no death, no suicide, no riots and a much lower recidivism rate than other “warehouse” type facilities for inmates with mental illness. The numbers speak for themselves.

Thanks Robert! I look forward to your presentation on Thursday morning, November 6.

0 comments
17 views