Best Practices for the Mentally Ill in the Criminal Justice System

This timely brief resource introduces a new evidence-based model for treatment of mentally ill individuals in jails, with emphasis on community-based options. Forensic mental health experts review police alternatives to arresting mentally ill persons in confrontations, the efficacy of problem-solving courts, and continuity of care between jail and community. The book's best-practices approach extends to frequently related issues such as addiction, domestic violence, juvenile considerations, and trauma and describes successful programs coordinating judicial and clinical systems. These guidelines for decriminalizing non-violent behaviors and making appropriate services available to those with mental problems should also help address issues affecting the justice system, such as overcrowding. 

Included in the coverage: 

• The Best Practices Model.
• Best practices in law enforcement crisis interventions with the mentally ill.
• Problem-solving courts and therapeutic jurisprudence.
• Competency restoration programs.
• A review of best practices for the treatment of persons with mental illness in jail.
• Conclusions, recommendations, and helpful appendices.

With its practical vision for systemic improvement, Best Practices Model for Intervention with the Mentally Ill in the Criminal Justice System is progressive reading for practitioners in the mental health field, especially practitioners working with inmates, as well as for stakeholders in the law enforcement and justice systems.

“A useful introduction for doctoral students in psychology, licensed clinicians, and criminal justice professionals who are new to working with forensic patients. ... This book provides a concise overview of mental health treatment within the criminal justice system, and more ideally, within the community in conjunction with the justice system. ... the text provides new and useful information to its readers in law enforcement, psychiatry, psychology, and local governance who are concerned with health care, rehabilitation, and criminal justice planning.” (Alan J. Raphael & Theresa Ascheman, PsycCRITIQUES, Vol. 61 (14), April, 2016)