Behind the closed doors – the journey to recovery

Within England, the role of secure inpatient forensic social work involves working with individuals who have mental health challenges and are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended in 2007 ) in a secure hospital setting. Forensic social workers are essential members of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) and contribute to care planning for detained individuals. They face challenges while working with individuals with complex mental health issues and offending behaviours, as well as professional challenges related to vicarious trauma. Additionally, the lack of recognition as a separate discipline and deficiencies in training create ambiguity regarding their role within the MDT. Inpatient forensic social workers operate in secure hospitals that vary in security levels according to patient needs. Risk assessments, social worker advocacy, and involvement in care planning are vital for promoting patients’ rights and progress in their care. However, frontline experience shows that inpatient social work practitioners encounter unique dilemmas and ethical challenges when collaborating with other disciplines, along with difficulties in professional integration. Despite these challenges, they strive to ensure effective, culturally informed, patient-centred care planning, risk assessment, and management. Their contributions include advocating for the rights and aspirations of patients and their carers, challenging inequality, and emphasizing patients’ strengths and agency.