Presentation Information
[SY-99-03]Navigating Ethnic Diversity in Forensic Mental Health Care: A Qualitative Perspective on Professional Approaches and Needs
*Marjolein De Pau, Tom Vander Beken, Freya Vander Laenen, Stijn Vandevelde, Hilde Depauw (Universiteit Gent(Belgium))
Keywords:
Ethnic Diversity,Forensic Mental Health Care,Professional Approaches
The forensic mental health care system faces significant challenges in addressing the needs of clients from migrant and ethnic minority groups. This qualitative study explores how forensic mental health professionals navigate ethnic diversity, examining their experiences, approaches, and professional needs. Based on semi-structured interviews with 11 professionals and participatory observations across five forensic wards in Belgium, our findings revealed a lack of formal training in culturally sensitive care. While professionals commonly provide religious accommodations, language education, and non-verbal therapeutic strategies, few actively explore clients' normative views on mental health and transgressive behavior. Many acknowledge how their own identity and lived experience influence their practice and therapeutic relationships. However, no formal organizational policies support culturally sensitive care in forensic mental health services. Participants expressed a need for structured or experiential training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and greater diversity within forensic teams. These findings underscore the need for systemic changes, including policy development, anti-racism measures, and improved access to interpreter services. By addressing these gaps, forensic mental health services can better meet the needs of ethnically diverse client populations.