NCJ Number
61477
Date Published
1978
Length
59 pages
Annotation
A HISTORICAL REVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF FORENSIC SERVICES IN TORONTO, CANADA IS PRESENTED, WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF FORENSIC SERVICES IN VARIOUS PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS.
Abstract
BRIEF DISCUSSIONS FOCUS ON THE FORENSIC PROGRAM AT TORONTO PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL FROM 1926 TO 1956, THE FORENSIC CLINIC AT THAT HOSPITAL FROM 1956 TO 1966, THE FORENSIC PROGRAM AT CLARKE INSTITUTE OF PSYCHIATRY FROM 1966 TO 1978, AND THE METROPOLITAN TORONTO FORENSIC SERVICE (METFORS) SINCE 1977. THESE HISTORICAL REVIEWS ILLUSTRATE WHY IT BECAME NECESSARY TO DISCONTINUE PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENTS IN TORONTO'S JAILS AND CREATE AN ASSESSMENT UNIT (AS PART OF METFORS) WHICH WOULD FUNCTION AS A SERVICE TO THE COURTS. THE ADMINISTRATION OF METFORS IS SUMMARIZED, WITH COMMENT ON ITS THREE SPECIALIZED UNITS: THE BRIEF ASSESSMENT UNIT (BAU), AND INPATIENT FACILITY, AND THE PRISON CONSULTATION PROGRAM. THE BAU PROVIDES A RAPID ASSESSMENT OF PATIENT STATUS TO THE COURTS WITHIN 1 DAY OR LONGER. ASSESSMENT INVOLVES THE AREAS OF FITNESS TO STAND TRIAL AND OBTAIN BAIL, PRESENCE OF MENTAL ILLNESS, AND DANGEROUSNESS. THE UNIT ALSO SERVES AS A FILTER FOR FURTHER DISPOSITION OF CASES. THE ASSESSMENT IS A MULTIDISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE INVOLVING PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING AND OPINIONS FROM SOCIAL WORKERS, CORRECTIONAL STAFF, AND NURSES. THE INPATIENT UNIT SERVES PATIENTS WHO NEED OBSERVATION IN A SECURE HOSPITAL SETTING. THE ASSESSMENT APPROACH IS ALSO MULTIDISCIPLINARY. IN ADDITION, PATIENTS ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAMS SUCH AS GROUP PSYCHOLOGY, WARD MEETINGS, AND OTHERS. THE PRISON CONSULTATION PROGRAM MAKES AVAILABLE A MINISTRY OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PSYCHIATRIST TO THE JAILS IN TORONTO. A FINAL METFORS OBJECTIVE IS TO FACILITATE EDUCATION IN FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY. FUTURE PLANS ARE NOTED. ORGANIZATIONAL CHARTS, STAFF LISTS, STATEMENTS OF REVENUE AND EXPENSES, PUBLICATIONS BY STAFF, AND PAPERS PRESENTED ARE INCLUDED ALONG WITH GRANT APPLICATIONS, TEACHING ACTIVITIES, AND A LIST OF VISITORS. (RFC)