Care of the Mentally Disordered Offender in the Community

This book discusses the theory and practice of the treatment in the community of people who suffer from mental disorders and who break the law. It addresses the tension created by the need to serve the diverse goals of improving health and protecting the public.

The book is divided into three sections. The first describes the social, administrative and legal context in which care is provided. This care is influenced by the degree to which mentally disordered offenders are perceived as dangerous. The second section describes clinical aspects. Offending by patients affects the models of care offered by community mental health teams and correctly assessing the risk of violence on the community has come to be seen as a key task of these services. The third and final section discusses the interactions between different aspects of the psychiatric services and between the psychiatric services and other related agencies.

Care of the Mentally Disordered Offender in the Community provides an international review of the field, for a multidisciplinary audience, balancing theoretical with practical considerations. It should be read by all those involved in providing care and support to mentally disordered offenders.

Alec Buchanan is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, London.