NCJ Number
150631
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 39 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1994) Pages: 1057-1068
Date Published
1994
Length
12 pages
Annotation
One hundred forty-two competency evaluations were reviewed from cases evaluated by the Galveston County (Tex.) Forensic Psychiatrist from 1984-90 to determine what happens to persons deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial and who become involved in the criminal justice system again.
Abstract
By examining the period between the initial incompetency determination and the next criminal justice system contact, the researchers sought to discover possible breakdowns in continuity of care provided by the criminal justice system or mental health system. Results revealed that 76.8 percent of the defendants studied were determined to be competent, and 22.5 percent were determined to be incompetent. Clear differences existed between those who were determined competent and those who had been determined incompetent to stand trial at least once. Findings revealed that these defendants lacked social support systems and consistent mental health system followup to stabilize their condition. Findings indicated that this lack of support and followup was a factor in their more frequent contact with the criminal justice system. Tables and 35 references (Author abstract modified)