Author(s):

Mika Rautanen, Kennet Harald and Sasu Tyni (eds.)

Published date:

21/09/2023

The imprisonment period is a rare opportunity to investigate complex problems, such as untreated illnesses, social exclusion or mental health. Treatment and multidisciplinary cooperation following release will be easier in the home municipalities when prisoners social and health-related needs are identified during imprisonment. At best, health and wellbeing studies for prisoners can prevent crime and increase the security of society. The Health and Wellbeing of Finnish Prisoners 2023 is a joint research project between the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the Prison and Probation Service Finland and the Health Care Services for Prisoners on a population group that is not visible in traditional population studies. The aim of the study is to: obtain information on the health, mental health disorders and social status of prisoners; promote prisoners health, functional capacity, wellbeing and reintroduction to society strengthen the continuity of care and service pathways produce information to support the development of services provided by Health Care Services for Prisoners and prison social welfare services in general. This report discusses the health and wellbeing of prisoners more diversely than before from several different perspectives. In addition to articles, the report presents a number of recommendations for practice and future research.