NCJ Number
89309
Date Published
1981
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This chapter presents seven case histories, including treatment and release outcomes, of persons found not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) in Ontario, Canada.
Abstract
The study involved seven patients released from the Queen Street Mental Health Centre (QSMHC) in 1978, with the cases having been selected by the treatment supervisor. The sample was also biased by the subjects having been selected for entry into the unlocked ward of the QSMHC from the Oak Ridge Division of the Penetanguishene Mental Health Centre (Penetang), a maximum security institution. All seven of the subjects have thus far successfully adapted to the community, although not all manifested measurable changes under treatment. Two of the three cases that apparently did not change under treatment presumably received some kind of benefit or were at least observed sufficiently to permit assessors to conclude they would be unlikely to reoffend, since the warrants were vacated. One subject apparently received help from quarters difficult to assess and control. Four persons experienced major psychological change at Penetang, while all but one of the same four also experienced major changes at QSMHC. Even after patients are released on loosened warrants to live and work in the community, the hospital maintains a close liaison with them. Their progress is carefully monitored so that any problems can be immediately addressed. A person may be readmitted if intensive services and control are required. Ten notes and a tabular summary of the cases are provided.