NCJ Number
235761
Date Published
May 2011
Length
56 pages
Annotation
This document summarizes results of an October 2010 survey of Washington State forensic evaluators concerning their use of assessment instruments.
Abstract
In response to a 2010 legislative direction, the Institute and Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) are investigating options regarding the use of mental health assessment tools for two DSHS reports to the courts: competency to stand trial assessments of criminal defendants whose competency is in question, and recommendations to the courts concerning the potential conditional release of criminally insane patients from inpatient treatment. This document presents three options for assessment strategies and instruments, and details both advantages and disadvantages of each option. A detailed comparison of instruments is included. This report also provides background information on the potential role of assessment instruments in evaluators' reports to the court. Summarized findings from an October 2010 survey of State evaluators are included along with the recommended three options for forensic assessment strategies and instruments. Data were collected from 31 of the 35 mental health experts who conduct forensic evaluations for the 3 State psychiatric hospitals (Western State, Eastern State, and Child Study and Treatment Center); all responses were to an online survey. Exhibits and appendixes