Probationers mandated to receive forensic mental health services in Canada

Probation orders mandating forensic mental health services are used by the courts to deal with the complex needs of probationers with mental disorders, but little is known about this particular legal leverage. The main goals of this study were to describe probationers who were mandated to receive forensic services, and to examine the relationships between measures of risks and needs, service delivery, and intermediate outcomes. To achieve this, we conducted a retrospective review of health records of 250 probationers with mental disorders using several standardized measures to assess criminogenic and psychosocial needs. The study also tracked outcomes and service utilization for an average of 9 months while probationers were receiving forensic services. A framework that integrates criminogenic and mental health needs to guide service delivery (Prins & Draper, 2009) was used as a theoretical backdrop. The probationer sample represented a heterogeneous group with a diverse range of criminogenic, clinical, and social needs. Their level of risk, service need, and clinical problems did not strongly determine the intensity of forensic services. Noncompliant probationers, representing almost half of the sample, had greater odds of psychiatric adverse events, criminal justice contacts, and violent behavior. This study represents one of the first to examine theoretical and pragmatic issues pertaining to the provision of forensic mental health services to probationers. Language: en

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