Mental Illness, Drug and Alcohol Misuse and HIV Risk Behaviour in 214 Young Adult (18-35 Year) Probation Clients: Implications for Policy, Practice and Training

This study analyzed the psychosocial problems of 214 ordinary probation clients. The results revealed that these clients were faced with a multiplicity of difficulties. The majority of these clients experienced relative poverty, 2/5 were involved with substance abuse that was linked to potential HIV-risk behaviour. 1/5 of the clients had some form of mental disorder, often involving attempted suicide. The mental health dimension & the HIV-risk behaviour indicated the need for active interdisciplinary collaboration & a review of probation training. (40 refs)