NCJ Number
237183
Date Published
2009
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This report presents the evaluation outcomes and methodology for the San Francisco Behavioral Health Court (BHC), which was established in early 2003 in order to provide close monitoring of a subset of mentally ill offenders whose criminal behavior is directly linked to their mental illness.
Abstract
The evaluation outcome results showed that participation in the court, even when a participant did not complete the entire program, contributed to positive outcomes. BHC participation predicted a longer time to any new charge. At 18 months, the treatment group was 26 percent less likely to be charged with a new offense compared to the treatment-as-usual group. BHC participation also resulted in a longer time to a new charge for a violent offense. The treatment group was 55 percent less likely to be charged with a new violent offense compared to the treatment-as-usual group. Outcomes for BHC graduates were significantly better for the aforementioned measures compared to both BHC non-graduates and the treatment-as-usual group. Participation in BHC is voluntary; and in many cases, the defendant is not required to enter a guilty plea to criminal charges in order to enter the program. In order to qualify for BHC participation, defendants must be diagnosed as having an axis 1 mental disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) or, in some circumstances, developmental disabilities. Defendants must also be amenable to treatment in the community mental health system. The seriousness of the charge is also a consideration. The BHC provides services to participants through a continuum of care, beginning with in-jail services, transitional care prior to release, and early release into the community. The court has adopted several practices for treating mentally ill offenders. Cost and relevant studies are reviewed. 2 references with Web site addresses