NCJ Number
92490
Date Published
1982
Length
13 pages
Annotation
The culturally and racially biased assessments of black offenders by mental health professionals yield inaccurate 'mentally retarded' labels, and treatment professionals' ignorance of the black experience inhibits the development of relevant treatment programs for the mentally retarded black offender.
Abstract
There is research to suggest that, as compared to their white counterparts, blacks are more likely to receive the most severe psychiatric diagnosis with the least favorable prognosis, with diagnoses being based on the most bizarre and noticeable behavior. These factors interact so that black offenders are considered much more intellectually retarded and dangerous than a white person manifesting the same symptoms. This mislabeling has resulted in harsher sanctions and more inconveniences for blacks throughout the criminal justice process. In many cases, blacks are prevented from receiving services and programs that might benefit them. When a mentally retarded black person commits a crime, it is probable that a diagnosis of being potentially dangerous will override the assessment of retardation, so that he will be incarcerated rather than placed in a facility for treatment of the mentally retarded. Further, mental health professionals are largely insensitive to blacks' special needs in the development of programs and the delivery of services. Studies have consistently shown that clients who are younger, verbal, educated, successful, and intelligent are preferred for treatment. Blacks must identify concerns that directly affect them in the criminal justice system and mount research programs that will yield improved treatment of black mentally retarded offenders. Nine references are provided.