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.