NCJ Number
59635
Journal
Bulletin of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (1977) Pages: 61-67
Date Published
1977
Length
7 pages
Annotation
THE RICHARD H. HUTCHINGS PSYCHIATRIC CENTER, SYRACUSE, N.Y., SET UP A FORENSIC UNIT TO HANDLE INDIVIDUALS HELD IN PRETRIAL DETENTION, ADJUDGED INCOMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL, OR CRIMINALLY COMMITTED FOR MENTAL HEALTH REASONS.
Abstract
IN EACH OF THESE THREE CASES, THE LEGAL SITUATION OF THE PATIENT AFFECTS THE COURSE OF TREATMENT. PATIENTS MUST HAVE ACCESS TO ATTORNEYS, THEY MUST REMAIN IN THE SECURE CUSTODY OF THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT OR A CORRECTIONS AGENCY, AND THE STRESS OF THEIR DEFENDANT OR CRIMINAL STATUS AFFECTS THEIR MENTAL OUTLOOK. UPON ADMISSION, A UNIT PSYCHOLOGIST, A PSYCHIATRIST, AND THE PATIENT'S CASE MANAGER ASSESS THE CLINICAL SITUATION WHILE THE UNIT'S LAW CLERK EVALUATES THE LEGAL SITUATION. A JOINT MANAGEMENT PLAN IS WORKED OUT. THE LAW CLERK ALSO WORKS WITH ATTORNEYS ALONE AND IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PATIENT-CLIENT TO HELP THEM DEAL WITH THE SITUATION. SINCE EMOTIONALLY DISTURBED OFFENDERS NEED PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT, THE UNIT ACTIVELY SEEKS THE COOPERATION OF FAMILY AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT PERSONS. THE OBJECT OF THE TREATMENT IS TO RETURN THE PATIENT TO TRIAL OR TO THE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. A STUDY OF 50 PERSONS ADMITTED AND DISCHARGED DURING A 13-MONTH PERIOD FROM 1974 TO 1975 FOUND THAT THEY HAD BASICALLY THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INVOLUNTARY CIVIL COMMITMENT PATIENTS AND THE TWO GROUPS SHOWED NO SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES IN INSTANCES OF AGGRESSION TOWARD SELF AND OTHERS. AFTER RELEASE THE UNIT PROVIDES FOLLOW-UP SERVICES IN THE JAIL OR PRISON. THE DISCUSSION CONTAINS NOTES AND REFERENCES. (GLR)