From Referral to Disposition: Case Processing in Seven Mental Health Courts
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2005
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1002/bsl.641
Abstract
The number of mental health courts in the United States is rapidly increasing, from one in 1997 to nearly 100 in 2004. However, to date there is comparatively little research regarding these specialty courts. The present study reports data on the referral and disposition decision-making processes of seven mental health courts. Information on all referrals to the seven courts over a three-month period was gathered. Results show that, in comparison with individuals involved in the criminal justice system, mental health court clients are more likely to be older, White, and women than individuals in the general criminal justice system. Furthermore, this over-representation occurs at the point of referral, rather than at the point of the court’s decision to accept or reject a referral. In addition, the length of time from referral to diversion is much longer in these mental health courts than in other types of diversion programs. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Behavioral Sciences & the Law, v. 23, issue 2, p. 215-226
Scholar Commons Citation
Steadman, Henry J.; Redlich, Allison D.; Griffin, Patricia; Petrila, John; and Monahan, John, "From Referral to Disposition: Case Processing in Seven Mental Health Courts" (2005). Mental Health Law & Policy Faculty Publications. 167.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/mhlp_facpub/167
