Concerns over Immigration Removal Centre as detainee self-harm increases
Concerns have been raised over an Immigration Removal Centre after an increase in instances of detainee self-harm.
An Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) report into Morton Hall, near Swinderby, revealed a rise in detainee self-harm in 2017-18.
Incidents increased from 181 to 217, despite a fall in the number of detainees held at the centre.
The IMB — appointed by minsters to ensure detainees are treated humanely — questioned the suitability of Morton Hall as an environment to hold detainees with mental health conditions.
The report stated although every effort was made to treat detainees with dignity and respect, those with mental health conditions should be accommodated in a more appropriate setting.
The report said: “The IMB is particularly concerned at an increase in the number of incidents of self-harm, often the result of feelings of frustration and uncertainty about being held in detention.”
During the second quarter of 2018, three detainees were responsible for a third of 34 self-harm incidents, described as being promoted by feelings of uncertainty about being held in detention.
As a result, the report highlighted the need to accelerate the removal and release process for detainees who were being held for over six months. The average stay is two to four weeks.
The IMB said it continued to be concerned about the large number of foreign national offenders (TSFNOs) present at Morton Hall — typically comprising around half of detainees.
Morton Hall is run by the Prison Service on behalf of the Home Office and holds 392 detainees when at operational capacity.
Male adult detainees aged 18 and over have an active regime that allows them family contact, legal support and a range of activities.
The policy of housing detainees with criminal backgrounds alongside detainees with no such background, according to the IMB, has a marked adverse effect on the safety and welfare of the latter group.
However, the board said at Morton Hall there was an ethos of ensuring fair treatment for all detainees.
Efforts to improve the standards of decency across the centre generally had improved during 2018 and, after an increase in staffing, the educational and gymnasium services were described as commendable.
Malcolm Brock, chairman of the IMB at Morton Hall, said the board saw improvements in the conditions for men, but remained anxious about the suitability of detention for some.
He said: “We recognise the vigilance of staff in identifying detainees struggling to cope within the IRC. Nonetheless the increase in incidents of self-harm is a matter of definite concern and is indicative of the difficulties that an uncertain and indefinite length of time in detention presents for the wellbeing of some detainees.”
Drug access and use remains a problem, despite a decrease of those under the influence of illicit substances from 210 in 2017 to 135 in 2018. The number of drug finds fell from 82 to 42.
A significant number involved psychoactive substances that sometimes required emergency health interventions.
However, the IMB commended efforts of staff in preventing drugs entering the centre and finding them when present, saying new strategies had been developed.
A Home Office spokesman said: “Detention is an important part of the wider immigration system, and we are committed to using detention sparingly and only when necessary.
“We have made significant improvements recently and are committed to doing more and introducing further alternatives to detention, increasing transparency and improving the support available for vulnerable detainees.”
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