NCJ Number
190148
Journal
Law and Human Behavior Volume: 25 Issue: 3 Dated: June 2001 Pages: 257-267
Date Published
June 2001
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study sought to extend knowledge about factors associated with NGRI (not guilty by reason of insanity) acquitees' maintenance of a conditional release after hospital discharge.
Abstract
The medical and forensic records of a random sample of 125 NGRI acquittees discharged from a minimum-security State mental health hospital in Missouri were reviewed for the study. The random sample of medical and forensic records was chosen from a list of 201 patients discharged between January 1, 1985, and December 31, 1998. Data from the records of the subjects pertained to a variety of demographic, clinical, criminal, and aftercare factors. A hierarchical survival analysis used to determine success was compared to data-analysis strategies typically used in the area. Survival analysis, which accounted for both conditional release success status and time on conditional release, found that minority status, substance abuse diagnosis, and a prior criminal history were the factors that significantly predicted conditional release revocation. Forensic mental health systems must address not only mental health and minority issues, but also the interaction of criminal behavior with these factors. Training that focuses on the role of extended families and interpretation of presenting symptoms may ameliorate some of these systemic biases. Appropriate community programs, better social support, and increased funding to provide employment and education opportunities to minorities in underdeveloped areas are structural barriers that must be addressed. Moreover, raising awareness about the acceptable, appropriate coping strategies and sources of help within a given cultural group is warranted. 3 tables and 44 references