scholarly journals The Importance of Mental Health Courts for Psychiatry & the Criminal Justice System

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 20-23
Author(s):  
Alexander Simmons
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Treatment Programs ◽  
Mentally Ill Offenders ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mental Health Courts ◽  
Promising Area ◽  
Legal Outcomes

Mental health courts are designed to divert mentally ill offenders away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate treatment programs. This commentary highlights the systemic issues that led to the development of mental health courts as a solution. Research has already demonstrated that these courts are associated with numerous positive psychiatric and legal outcomes. However, further research is required to determine what specifically makes them successful, and who is most likely to benefit from them. Mental health courts have earned their place as an essential part of the criminal justice system and are a promising area of future research.

Alternatives and Closing Remarks

2019 ◽  
pp. 312-318
Author(s):  
Thomas L. Hafemeister
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Forensic Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Courts

The concluding chapter, Chapter 12, notes alternatives—such as diversion and mental health courts—to the commonly employed criminal justice proceedings that are being explored in the hope that they may be better suited for processing defendants with a mental disorder and thereby help to resolve some of the thorniest issues faced by the criminal justice system and society. It closes by reiterating the challenging nature of this field and stresses the important role that forensic mental health evaluators and their evaluations can play.

From the Jailhouse to Capitol Hill: Impacting Mental Health Court Legislation and Defining What Constitutes a Mental Health Court

2003 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Risdon N. Slate
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Therapeutic Jurisprudence ◽  
Mental Health Court ◽  
Mental Health Courts ◽  
Federal Funds ◽  
Capitol Hill

This article examines congressional testimony preceding the passage of legislation authorizing federal funds for mental health courts and makes the case for the importance of anecdotal evidence in the process. The magnitude of persons with mental illness in the criminal justice system is considered, as well as factors that have led to the criminalization of this population. The concept of therapeutic jurisprudence is discussed, and commonalities in the emergence of mental health courts and methods of supervision are examined. Areas of concern are addressed, and mental health courts are advocated as a commonsense approach to diverting persons with mental illness from the criminal justice system and ensuring linkages to treatment.

scholarly journals Mental health provision for young offenders: service use and cost

2006 ◽  
Vol 188 (6) ◽  
pp. 541-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Barrett ◽  
Sarah Byford ◽  
Prathiba Chitsabesan ◽  
Cassandra Kenning
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Young People ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Depressed Mood ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Young Offenders ◽  
The Relationship

BackgroundThe full costs of accommodating and supporting young people in the criminal justice system are unknown. There is also concern about the level of mental health needs among young offenders and the provision of appropriate mental health services.AimsTo estimate the full cost of supporting young people in the criminal justice system in England and Wales and to examine the relationship between needs, service use and cost.MethodCross-sectional survey of 301 young offenders, 151 in custody and 150 in the community, conducted in six geographically representative areas of England and Wales.ResultsMental health service use was low despite high levels of need, particularly in the community Monthly costs were significantly higher among young people interviewed in secure facilities than in the community ($4645 v. $ 1863; P < 0.001). Younger age and a depressed mood were associated with greater costs.ConclusionsYoung people in the criminal justice system are a significant financial burden not only on that system but also on social services, health and education. The relationship between cost and depressed mood indicates a role for mental health services in supporting young offenders, particularly those in the community.

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