Para além das amarras das grades: construção de um fluxograma da assistência em saúde mental para a equipe de saúde do presídio estadual do serido, em Caicó/RN.

Abstract

The aforementioned paper addresses the weaknesses of the Brazilian Penitentiary System, focusing on the mental health of individuals deprived of liberty. The analysis begins with the observation that the system, characterized by overcrowding, structural deficiencies, and negligence toward human rights, often contradicts constitutional and normative principles that ensure dignity and health for all. The study focused on the Seridó State Penitentiary (PES) in Caicó/RN, where mental health care is vulnerable, limited to sporadic services, and poorly organized. To address this situation, the central objective was/is to propose the creation of a flowchart to systematize mental health care in the closed system, including triage, follow-up, and referral of individuals deprived of liberty. The work combines document analysis, literature review, and field observations to build a functional model tailored to the reality of the PES. Despite the recent implementation of a Prison Health Team, there are still limitations in human and structural resources. Therefore, the flowchart proposal aims to fill gaps in continuous care, ensuring humane and integrated access to health services, in line with existing public policies. The research contributes to the debate on resocialization and mental health in the penitentiary system, highlighting the need for effective actions that promote fundamental rights and the quality of life of inmates, even in a context of budgetary constraints and state neglect.