The overrepresentation of mentally disordered justice-involved individuals with criminogenic risk and needs: A mixed-method analysis

• In Event: Poster Session 2

Abstract

The overrepresentation of mentally disordered justice-involved individuals in the criminal justice (CJ) system is a well-known issue among CJ professionals but an understudied issue in criminological research. While the presence of mental health problems (MHP) is not considered a criminogenic factor, research has shown otherwise, at least from a statistical point of view. This paradox is the focus of the current study, with the aim of shedding light on this « revolving door » phenomena among justice-involved individuals with MHP. The study is based on a Canadian sample of 15,718 individuals, including 4,411 who showed evidence of MHP. Using a series of logistic regressions, the presence of MHP, socio-demographic characteristic, type of sentence, and criminogenic risk and needs measured using the LS/CMI were all examined as covariates of general recidivism. The results indicate that the odds of general recidivism for those with MHP are relatively high and not explained by the presence and the intensity of criminogenic risk and needs. To complement these observations, a series of qualitative interviews (n=7) were conducted with probation officers involved in the community supervision of justice-involved individuals with MHP. The findings highlight a series of systemic issues within the CJ system.

Authors

• Nathalie Eve Bédard, Université Laval

• Patrick Lussier, Université Laval