Progetto “Sulla soglia”: un’esperienza di buona prassi nell’assistenza e nel trattamento dei detenuti con disagio psichico in dimissione dagli istituti penali milanesi

Abstract

IntroductionThe “On the Doorstep” project defines an action as a good practice model in treatment of citizens having psychic troubles, kept in custody in the three penal institutions of Milan (San Vittore, Opera and Bollate). The project aims at implementing a model of global action liaising interventions carried out to treat convicts with psychic troubles, kept in custody in the three penal institutions of Milan and the network of external territorial services, by means of some specific actions aimed at fostering social inclusion. Materials and methodsThe complex area the “On the Doorstep” project deals with and individual needs of convicts, enjoying this service, who go back to society after release from prison, are satisfied by a multidisciplinary team, which can act on the numerous issues related to this type of users. Aiming at carrying out a systemic approach, on the one hand it is essential to act with individuals, to support them in pursuing their projects and on the other, it is crucial to carry out an efficient action on the social network. ResultsBetween 2009 and 2011, this service operated in favour of approximately 120 users per year. According to an analysis of the type of users involved in this project, 55% of actions have been carried out in favour of individuals with diagnosed psychiatric disease and the remaining 44% in favour of individuals showing psychic troubles due to detention, in particular pending release from the relevant penal institution. DiscussionThe model used by the “On the Doorstep” project is a good practice in terms of actions, involving a thorough and multidisciplinary response to needs identified. Rehabilitation and treatment in prison and on the territory highlight the need of integrated clinical and social pathways that can support an individual for potential re-inclusion.