NCJ Number
81584
Date Published
1981
Length
87 pages
Annotation
This 1980 annual report presents statistics and information on the activities of the Metropolitan Toronto Forensic Service (METFORS) of Toronto, Ontario (Canada).
Abstract
The primary responsibility of METFORS is to conduct psychiatric observation, examination, assessment, and appropriate treatment of persons who are before the courts and are referred to METFORS as a result of charges in the judicial district of York, as well as to provide services for other judicial or correctional institutions, reporting and advising as appropriate. From April 1, 1980, to March 31, 1981, METFORS conducted 604 'brief assessments' and 254 inpatient evaluations. During the year, the Attorney General for Ontario requested an independent study of METFORS that reviewed the Service; remand procedures; the facilities; the nursing staff; research, teaching, and training; and the organization. The report recommendations and commentaries emanating from it should assist those who formulate policy on mental health services for the criminal justice system. Further, a committee has been established to review and make recommendations pertaining to remands for psychiatric examination. In addition to its psychiatric assessments, METFORS has been extensively involved in educational activities and research. Research has included projects focusing on prediction of dangerousness, fitness to stand trial, and offenders' concepts of dangerousness. Occupancy levels for inpatient evaluations have been high, often occasioning waiting lists. Information is provided on staff, finances, and working papers published by METFORS during the year. Tabular data on client characteristics and assessment recommendations are appended, along with a list of grants.