Forensic Mental Health Screening and Evaluation in Community Corrections

• NCJ Number: 79777
• Author(s): T B Marvell; W L Fitch; I Keilitz
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 58 pages
• Grant Number(s): 79-NI-AX-0070
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Corporate Author: National Ctr for State Courts
• Sale Source: National Ctr for State Courts; National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Perspectives on Mental Health and the Law, Occasional Paper Number 6.

Annotation

This paper describes forensic mental health screening and evaluation conducted in two community corrections programs: the Larimer County Community Corrections (LCCC) in Fort Collins, Colo., and the Island County District Court Probation Department in Oak Harbor, Wash.

Abstract

Data are based on the results of a research project conducted by the National Center for State Courts as part of NIJ's National Evaluation Program. The study involved visits to 20 forensic programs, including the 2 community programs described in this paper. Descriptions of both programs contain a brief history of the program and a summary of its goals and objectives. The report illustrates the flow of client-offenders through the program and discusses how mental health information is delineated by the referral source, acquired by the program staff, and provided to the user. Finally, a review of the systems used for feedback, quality control, and program evaluation is provided. The LCCC's major goals are to provide an alternative to jail sentencing -- that is, sentencing to community corrections with a wide range of services, including psychological testing. LCCC provides in-jail inmate counseling and education as well as counseling and other services for releasees. The Probation Department assists the court in selecting and carrying out the disposition of misdemeanor cases. LCCC's screening process for three types of referrals are illustrated: defendants awaiting trial (the most common type), inmates in the State penitentiary, and parolees. The process involved in screening defendants awaiting trial includes interviews with the defendant and his family, reviews of his criminal files, administration of psychological and other tests, and staff meetings to review the final decision. Referrals for inmates and parolees are less frequent and involve less screening activity. The Probation Department often conducts presentence investigations for the court in which a probation officer interviews and administers tests to the offender. The probation officer's report is submitted to the court along with copies of any mental health evaluation reports prepared. Flow charts, reference notes, and 14 references are supplied. Sample forms used in the programs' screening and evaluation process are appended.