A incidência e detecção de perturbações mentais em detidos cumprindo medida pré-sentencial: Um modelo para investigação

Não se põe a questão de que há necessidade de serviços de apoio em Saúde Mental no Sistema da Justiça Criminal, mas é de salientar que é preciso precaução antes de iniciar estes programas. A partir do momento em que um Programa de Saiide Mental extensivo a uma prisão é iniciado, é fácil passar a ver toda a gente nesse Estabelecimento com necessidade de serviços de apoio em Saúde Mental. Não é de facto o caso, e devemos ter cuidado em não divergir toda a nossa atenção de outras necessidades sentidas nas prisões, nomeadamente programas profissionais e educacionais. Quando se trabalha num determinado sistema é comum um excesso de enfoque no mesmo, definindo os problemas de forma limitada. Por vezes falta-nos tomar outros factores em linha de conta. Os técnicos do Sistema da Justiça Criminal trabalham com pessoas que já estão muito para além do princípio dos problemas. A Saúde Mental Comunitária pode ser útil mas também deverá ir para além das intervenções no Sistema Judicial isolado. O que pode ser feito como prevenção de certas pessoas chegarem a envolver-se no Sistema da Justiça? Eu penso que devemos dedicar muitos esforços e energias em Programas de prevenção, em particular com jovens. Um bom exemplo deste tipo de intervenção pode ser encontrado nos estudos de Seidman, Rappaport e Davidson (1980), onde criaram um programa de diversão para jovens fora do Sistema da Justiça, utilizando estudantes universitários para trabalhar com os jovens como advogados e amigos. Será este tipo de actividade de Prevenção que encerra o futuro prometedor do Sistema da Justiça Criminal

Alternatives to inpatient evaluations of fitness to stand trial

The article is focused on the issue of competency to stand trial and the need for reform in the manner in which individuals are evaluated by mental health professionals. The authors argue that criminal defendants for the purpose of evaluation are unnecessarily detered in forensic facilities for the purpose of evaluation fitness to stand trial. A large number of studies have demonstrated that community-based screening of fitness is both feasible and cost effective. Legal and Mental Health professionals will need to work toghether to ensure that this reform is realized.Este artigo é dedicado ao tema da competência para a apresentação perante um Juiz e a necessidade de reformar o modo como os indivíduos são avaliados pelos profissionais de saúde mental. Os autores argumentam que os arguidos são detidos desnecessariamente em estabelecimentos prisionais para a avaliação da sua capacidade para ir a julgamento. Através de um número alargado de estudos de investigação é possível demonstrar que a avaliação de base comunitária é não só possível como apresenta melhores índices em termos de custos. Os profissionais do sistema judicial e da área da saúde mental precisarão de trabalhar em conjunto para assegurar que esta reforma se realiza.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Social Science and the Courts: The Role of Amicus Curiae Briefs

Social scientists have increasingly become involved in the submission of amicus curiae or friend of the court briefs in legal cases being decided by state and federal courts. This increase has triggered considerable debate about the use of briefs to communicate relevant social science research. This article evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of various methods of summarizing social science research for the courts. It also reviews the procedures for submitting briefs developed by the American Psychology-Law Society which, in collaboration with the American Psychological Association, has submitted its first brief in Maryland v. Craig, a case recently decided by the U.S. Supreme Court

Predictive Validity of the MAYSI-2 and PAI-A for Suicide-Related Behavior and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among Adjudicated Adolescent Offenders on Probation

This prospective study evaluated the ability of the MAYSI-2 and PAI-A to predict suicide-related behavior (SRB) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adjudicated adolescent offenders on probation. Predictive validity of the MAYSI-2 for SRB and NSSI has generally been postdictively examined among detained adolescents. In addition, no published studies have examined the predictive validity of the PAI-A for SRB and NSSI among adolescent offenders. Neither the MAYSI-2 nor PAI-A added incremental predictive validity above lifetime SRB or NSSI. However, several MAYSI-2 and PAI-A subscales were predictive of SRB or NSSI. With some exceptions, most recommended instrument cut-off scores differentiated between low-risk and high-risk youth. These findings suggest that the MAYSI-2 and PAI-A hold promise for evaluating SRB and NSSI among justice-involved youth. In addition, these findings contribute to more informed decisions regarding the use of these tools and can be used to inform SRB and NSSI prevention efforts

Evaluating the Psycholegal Abilities of Young Offenders with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Individuals with a diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) experience a range of physical, cognitive, and behavioral deficits thought to interfere with their ability to competently navigate the arrest, interrogation, and trial process. This study examined the psycholegal abilities of young offenders with FASD, including their understanding and appreciation of Miranda rights, and adjudication capacities (factual knowledge of criminal procedure, appreciation of the nature and object of the proceedings, ability to participate in a defense and communicate with counsel). Two groups of young offenders (50 with FASD and 50 without prenatal alcohol exposure) completed Grisso’s Instruments for Assessing Understanding and Appreciation of Miranda rights and the Fitness Interview Test-Revised in order to assess overall rates of impairment in youth with FASD, as well as differences between the groups. Potentially important predictors of psycholegal abilities were also evaluated. Results indicated the majority of young offenders with FASD (90%) showed impairment in at least one psycholegal ability, and rates of impairment were significantly higher than the comparison group. However, considerable within-group variability was observed. IQ and reading comprehension emerged as robust predictors of participants’ psycholegal abilities; while the FASD diagnosis differentiated participants’ scores on the FIT-R. These findings underscore the importance of individualized and comprehensive forensic assessments of psycholegal abilities in this population when warranted. Additional system level strains for this population are discussed, including problems in approaching competency remediation, and the potentially growing need for accommodation and forensic assessments in the face of limited financial and professional resources in legal settings

An Evaluation of the Predictive Validity of the SAVRY and YLS/CMI in Justice-Involved Youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Despite the high prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in youth criminal justice settings, there is currently no research supporting the use of violence risk assessment tools in this population. This study examined the predictive validity of total and domain scores on the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY) and the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) in justice-involved youth with FASD. Participants were 100 justice-involved youth (ages 12 to 23, 81% male), including 50 diagnosed with FASD and 50 without FASD or prenatal alcohol exposure. The SAVRY and YLS/CMI were prospectively coded based on interview and file review, with recidivism (both any and violent specifically) coded one-year post baseline assessment. Results provide preliminary support for the validity of the SAVRY and YLS/CMI in predicting recidivism in justice-involved youth with FASD. Higher ratings across SAVRY and YLS/CMI domains were found in youth with FASD, underscoring a critical need for assessments and interventions to buffer recidivism risk and address clinical needs

Neuropsychiatric symptoms and the outcome of cognitive trajectories in older adults free of dementia: The Mayo Clinic Study of Aging

Objective Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are associated with the risk of incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. We examined associations between NPS and the outcomes of global and domain‐specific cognitive trajectories. Methods In this longitudinal study conducted in the setting of the population‐based Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, 5081 community‐dwelling, nondemented individuals aged ≥50 years (51% males) underwent NPS assessment using Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI‐Q), and Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories (BDI‐II, BAI). Global and domain‐specific (memory, language, attention, and visuospatial skills) cognitive performance was assessed through neuropsychological testing every 15 months. Associations between baseline NPS and trajectories for individual yearly change in cognitive z‐scores were calculated using linear mixed‐effect models. Results Cognition declined regardless of NPS status over the median follow‐up of 4.5 years. Presence of NPS was associated with increased cognitive decline. Differences in annualized change in global cognition z‐scores for participants with NPS compared to without NPS ranged from −0.018 (95% CI −0.032, −0.004; p = 0.011) for irritability to −0.159 (−0.254, −0.065; p = 0.001) for hallucinations. Associations between NPS and annual decline in global cognition were significant for most NPI‐Q‐assessed NPS and clinical depression (BDI‐II≥13). Participants with NPI‐Q‐assessed depression, apathy, nighttime behavior, and clinical depression had greater decline in all domain‐specific z‐scores; presence of delusions and anxiety was associated with more pronounced decline in language, attention and visuospatial skills. Conclusion NPS were associated with a more accelerated cognitive decline. Clinical assessment and potential treatment of NPS is warranted even in a community setting as NPS may impact cognitive decline in nondemented individuals