scholarly journals The Human Component

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Traci A Owens

This contribution is written from the perspective of a trial attorney with more than 20 years of experience representing clients in the California criminal justice system. Proper representation of the accused often requires a multidisciplinary approach in which legal care, medical care and mental health care work in conjunction with one another. Often, a client is laboring through layers of physical pain, fear, grief, and a possible myriad of mental health issues when his or her liberty is dependent on the ability to provide an accurate picture of their lives. In order to assist the client in providing the most comprehensive description of himself or herself, the defense team requires an empathic approach; one that is respectful of boundaries; and one willing to explore the context of the information uncovered during the course of investigation and representation.This contribution will detail the case of Marissa B , and how her investigation and advocacy wed her data to the context and circumstances surrounding her case to reveal information behind the human being in need of representation.

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Katrina A. Hovey ◽  
Staci M. Zolkoski ◽  
Lyndal M. Bullock

Children and youth with mental health issues and learning difficulties are common in the juvenile justice system andfinding ways to effectively rehabilitate, treat, and educate them is complicated, yet imperative. In this article, weexamine the prevalence rates of mental health disorders in youth involved in the juvenile justice system, discuss themyriad challenges involved youth face, present differences related to gender and race/ethnicity as well as provideinformation associated with how best to assist these youths. Additionally, significant influences such as cultural,behavioral, and educational issues related to detained youth will be presented. Developing a better understanding ofthe challenges faced by detainees as well as recognizing barriers to treatment and rehabilitation are key. Further,identifying effective support systems for rehabilitation and transition are addressed.


2020 ◽  
pp. 001112872095002
Author(s):  
Allison T. Chappell ◽  
Scott R. Maggard

Victimization, mental health problems, and disabilities are associated with an increased likelihood of delinquent behavior, and girls in the juvenile justice system report higher rates of past trauma and victimization, sexual abuse, and mental health issues than boys. However, the influence of these problems on juvenile justice processing remains understudied. This study investigated the impact of victimization, mental health problems, disabilities, and comorbidity on intake and adjudication decisions across gender. Data on 74,636 intake cases were obtained from the centralized database of the juvenile justice office in a mid-Atlantic state (FY 2011–2015). Findings suggest that mental health problems, victimization, and disabilities are associated with increased punitiveness at intake but few consistent gender differences emerged. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Jude Mary Cénat ◽  
Boniface Harerimana ◽  
Guesly Michel ◽  
Sara-Emilie McIntee ◽  
Joana N. Mukunzi ◽  
...  

When people living in poverty are asked to describe their living conditions, mental health issues quickly come to mind (grief, sadness, anger, fear, bitterness, frustration, discontent, anxiety, and emotional damage consisting of low mood and depression, fatigue, hypersensitivity, sleep difficulties and physical pain). Although the association between poverty and mental health have been widely demonstrated in the literature, care must be taken to avoid the psychiatrization of poverty. However, how can healthcare be provided to people living in poverty when basic needs are not met? This article explores the global challenge of providing mental health services in impoverished populations, using the example of the poorest country in America: Haiti. It examines the availability of services offered through the Mental Health Centre at Morne Pelé, and the necessity for innovative and comprehensive approaches to provide culturally appropriate care that meets the real needs of populations. It highlights effective measures that policy makers should implement to develop an efficient mental healthcare system based on the lessons of the Mental Health Centre at Morne Pelé.


2021 ◽  
pp. 025371762110330
Author(s):  
Rakesh Chander Kalaivanan ◽  
Patley Rahul ◽  
Narayana Manjunatha ◽  
Channaveerachari Naveen Kumar ◽  
Palanimuthu Thangaraju Sivakumar ◽  
...  

Telemedicine has evolved as a novel tool in delivering health care in the modern world. With the advancement in video conferencing technology at an affordable price and innovative digital medical instruments, it has grown from guiding paramedics in managing patients to aiding physicians in providing direct consultation. Delivering care for older adults has always been challenging due to comorbidities that may warrant a multidisciplinary approach leading to frequent visits across specialties. As per the preliminary reports of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India, 55% of this population suffers from any chronic illness, of which 40% have some form of disability and 20% deal with mental health issues. Over the years, telepsychiatry care for older adults has received increasing acceptability. Videoconferencing with improved connectivity and transmission rates has aided in evaluating, assessing, and providing mental health interventions at ease. The recent regulation of telemedicine practice in the country by rolling out the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines 2020 and Telepsychiatry Operational Guidelines 2020 has fast-tracked its utility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns of physical examination, psychological satisfaction of consulting physician in person, confidentiality, and security of information shared are points that need better addressing in the future. However, Telemedicine is recommended to be used judiciously, taking the risk and benefit of older adults on a case basis as it can significantly bring down the financial and emotional burden.


2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (9) ◽  
pp. 1276-1294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura N. Honegger ◽  
Kyle S. Honegger

There is a considerable overrepresentation of individuals with mental health issues within the U.S. criminal justice system as compared with the general population. Mental health courts (MHCs) arose in response to this concern, with a primary aim of reducing recidivism. Thus far, MHC research has largely neglected the potential utility of criminogenic factors. A retrospective analysis of 163 MHC participants was conducted to examine the association between clinical and criminogenic factors and noncompliance, as well as for recidivism, using a series of Bayesian negative binomial regression models to compare predictors. Criminogenic factors, namely first offending prior to the age of 18, having a substance-related diagnosis, commission of a variety of crimes, historical probation or parole violation, and having less than a high school education were associated with an increased rate of engaging in noncompliant behavior and rearrest. None of the clinical factors were directly associated with noncompliance or rearrest outcomes.


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