1010CCJ_Module_12_Learning_Video_1

Module Overview

  • Title: 1010CCJ Mental Health, Psychology, and the Criminal Justice System

  • Focus: Relationship between mental disorders and the criminal justice system (CJS)

Part 1: People with Mental Disorders in the Criminal Justice System

Importance of Understanding Mental Disorders in CJS

  • Higher prevalence of mental disorders in CJS populations compared to the general population.

  • Importance for frontline CJS workers to understand mental disorders to affect positive outcomes:

    • Police Officers: De-escalating conflicts.

    • Prison Officers: Identifying treatment needs among prisoners.

    • Rehabilitation Program Officers: Understanding comorbidity (e.g., drug use and mental disorder).

  • Accurate recognition of mental disorders is crucial for redirecting individuals toward appropriate care and rehabilitation pathways.

Criminalisation of People with Mental Disorders

  • Factors contributing to criminalisation include:

    • Deinstitutionalisation: Shift from institutions to community settings without proper resources.

    • Changes to Civil Commitment Processes: Reduced commitment conditions affecting treatment access.

    • Inadequate Community Treatment Resources: Lack of support leading to increased criminal justice involvement.

    • Poor Legislative Linkage: Undefined connections between police protocols and mental health support.

    • Decreased Public Tolerance: Growing intolerance toward offenders regardless of mental health issues.

Relationship Between Mental Disorder and Crime

  • The relationship is complex and entails multiple pathways:

    • Direct Pathway: Mental disorders directly influence criminal behavior.

    • Indirect Pathway: External factors such as socioeconomic status interact with mental disorders to influence crime.

    • Common Cause Pathway: Shared risk factors cause both mental disorders and criminal behavior.

Diagnostic Manuals

  • Importance of diagnostic systems for accurate treatment delivery and interprofessional communication.

  • DSM-5-TR™ is the main manual used in this course; others include the ICD.

  • Caution: Only experienced professionals should diagnose mental disorders.

Examples of Mental Disorders Encountered

  • Schizophrenia: Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and negative symptoms.

  • Major Depressive Disorder: Depressed mood, diminished interest, and thoughts of death.

  • PTSD: Symptoms following exposure to a traumatic event (intrusions, avoidance).

  • Conduct Disorder: Repetitive behaviors violating rights of others or societal norms (e.g., aggression).

PMD in the Criminal Justice System

  • Key areas of impact: Police, Courts, Corrections, Rehabilitation.

PMD and Police Contact

  • Police frequently encounter individuals in acute mental health crises.

  • Encounters can be stressful with limited information.

  • Required training for police to ensure proper identification and responses:

    • Specialist Training: e.g., Crisis Intervention Team (CIT).

    • Mental Health Awareness Training.

    • Co-responder Models: Teams involving mental health professionals.

PMD and the Courts

  • Courts must consider:

    • Criminal Responsibility: Mental capacity during the crime.

    • Insanity Defense: McNaughton rules outlining criteria.

    • Diminished Responsibility: Applicable only in murder cases.

    • Fitness to Stand Trial: Assessing mental capacity during the trial (Presser criteria).

PMD and Corrections

  • Higher prevalence of mental disorders in corrections vs. general public (e.g., PTSD, substance use disorders).

  • Prison conditions may worsen mental health conditions.

  • Symptoms can exacerbate rule violations and hinder relationships with staff.

  • Frontline officers play a crucial role in identifying and addressing these issues.

PMD and Rehabilitation

  • Conflicting aims of the justice system can complicate rehabilitation efforts.

  • Many individuals cycle through the mental health and criminal justice systems.

  • Co-occurring disorders complicate treatment; effective rehabilitation likely requires comprehensive approaches.

  • Relying solely on supervision may increase criminal justice interaction.

PMD in Sub-Groups of the Population

Young People

  • Youth detention centers show higher rates of mental disorders.

  • Young offenders often have a history of state care.

  • Early intervention is key; differing views on rehabilitation strategies.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

  • Mental health issues are influenced by historical and cultural contexts.

  • Disproportionately high rates of mental illness among incarcerated Indigenous people.

  • Holistic understanding of mental health includes community and cultural elements.

Women

  • Female prisoners exhibit higher prevalence of mental health issues than male counterparts.

  • Significant trauma backgrounds are common.

  • Prison services must be gender-specific and trauma-informed.

  • Concerns upon release include motherhood, healthcare access, housing, and employment.

Conclusion

  • Importance of integrating mental health considerations into criminal justice frameworks to improve outcomes for individuals and communities.