scholarly journals Psychiatric assessment and diversion schemes: problems associated with brief court reports

1998 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 303-305
Author(s):  
Clare Chambers ◽  
Jane Gill
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Legal System ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
Psychiatric Assessment

Mental health professionals are becoming increasingly involved with the criminal justice system through their work in psychiatric assessment and diversion schemes. Preparation of reports for the courts requires knowledge of the legal system. Those preparing such reports need specific training for this work.

Serious Mental Illness, Criminal Justice, and the Death Penalty

2020 ◽  
pp. 159-171
Author(s):  
Anna Scheyett ◽  
Katherine J. Crawford
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Death Penalty ◽  
Serious Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Community Members

This chapter addresses the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system. Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) are at higher risk of involvement with the criminal justice system and at greater risk of more severe sentencing. Mental Health America estimates that 20% of persons on death row have a serious mental illness. Someone who was actively mentally ill at the time of a crime, but who has received treatment and is now stable, will proceed to trial as death eligible. This chapter holds that, as the majority of mental health professionals, social workers have a responsibility for educating lawmakers, community members, and those in the criminal justice system, as well as other practitioners about the multiple levels of injustice and inequity surrounding individuals with SMI and the criminal justice system. These issues range from inadequate and inconsistent treatment in the community, jails, and prisons to differential sentencing practices.

Mental Health Professionals and the Criminal Justice System

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reena Kapoor ◽  
Alec Buchanan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
Competence To Stand Trial ◽  
Jail Diversion ◽  
System P ◽  
Definition Of

This chapter provides guidance for mental health clinicians whose patients are involved in the criminal justice system. It describes the typical course for a person with mental illness as he or she progresses through the criminal justice system, with a focus on the various types of psychiatric evaluations that are performed. It discusses the legal basis and essential elements of competence to stand trial evaluations, the legal definition of insanity, jail diversion programs, and presentencing evaluations. The differences between treating clinicians and forensic evaluators in the criminal justice system are explained. Finally, it offers guiding principles and tips for avoiding common pitfalls.

Collaborating with Legal Professionals

2017 ◽  
pp. 384-394
Author(s):  
Eric G. Mart
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Legal System ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Legal Professionals

This chapter provides information designed to assist mental health professionals in effectively marketing their services to courts, attorneys, and the legal system in general. Suggestions are offered to help mental health professionals decide whether they will be comfortable working in an adversarial environment. Methods for developing the skillsets necessary for performing forensic consultations in a competent, ethical manner are provided. Information regarding how to effectively market mental health services to legal professionals are reviewed. Various areas of subspecialty practice are described.

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