NCJ Number
243649
Journal
Justice Quarterly Volume: 30 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2013 Pages: 681-710
Date Published
August 2013
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This study examined mental health court outcomes in reducing criminal recidivism.
Abstract
Mental health court outcomes research shows moderate success in reducing criminal recidivism. Far less research concentrates on defendants who do not choose to participate or are negatively terminated. Eight years of data from a suburban Midwestern mental health court indicate that substance abuse history and having multiple psychiatric diagnoses increased the odds of nonparticipation, while a bipolar diagnosis, the other category of diagnosis, and referral source, decreased the odds. For those negatively terminated, being male, racial minority status, having multiple diagnoses, a charge of stealing, and committing a new crime while under Municipal Mental Health Court supervision increased the odds of negative termination. A substance abuse history, increased mental health court attendance, receiving disability income, and psychiatric medication prescription decreased the odds of negative termination. Implications for policy, practice, and future research are discussed, including better engagement strategies for participation and treatment. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.