Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Mohan, R. Articles by Fahy, T. A. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Mohan, R. Articles by Fahy, T. A. Mentally Ill Offenders Case Management Staff Issues, Staffing

Clinical Characteristics of Community Forensic Mental Health Services

OBJECTIVE: Community forensic mental health teams are a new service within the widening range of specialized community mental health services. The characteristics of these novel services are poorly defined. Two commonly described service models in the United Kingdom are the integrated model (forensic specialists working within community mental health teams) and the parallel model (forensic specialists working on a separate specialist team). The study reported here aimed to establish clear definitions of these service models. METHODS: A literature review and a focus group of ten service professionals were conducted to identify candidate characteristics of services in community forensic mental health teams. A total of 31 characteristics were identified and used to prepare the first-round questionnaire for the two rounds of a modified Delphi consultation, which is an expert opinion and consensus method, with a multidisciplinary panel of 32 mental health professionals experienced in community forensic work. RESULTS: Twenty-nine staff (91 percent) completed the two rounds of consultation. Thirteen service characteristics differentiated the integrated and parallel models. Key characteristics of parallel teams included having their own team base, separate referral meetings, a specialist management line, specialist supervision, protected funding, forensic psychology, good links with criminal justice systems, and capped caseloads. Integrated teams were distinguished by their close links with community mental health services and acceptance of more referrals from primary care. CONCLUSIONS: Integrated and parallel models of community forensic mental health teams differ on many service characteristics. Defining these characteristics will help in researching the pros and cons of each model in the treatment and risk management of mentally ill offenders in the community.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. W. COID, N. HICKEY, and M. YANG Comparison of outcomes following after-care from forensic and general adult psychiatric services The British Journal of Psychiatry, June 1, 2007; 190(6): 509 - 514. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2004 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us