Federal Mental Health Court: Examining the Association of Co-occurring Disorders on Program Completion

• In Event: Roundtable: Problem Solving Courts: Implications for More Challenging Criminal Justice Involved Populations

Abstract

Individuals with co-occurring disorders (CODs) are one of the most difficult populations to manage in problem-solving courts. Despite being one of the most clinically vulnerable and high-risk offender groups, many programs will not accept people with CODs, or programs are not designed to address their unique needs. Examining mutually exclusive and exhaustive disorder groups (mental health only and CODs), our study presents findings from one of only three U.S. federal mental health courts (MHC) on successful program completion. Using a sample of 58 pretrial and post-conviction participants enrolled in the program from its inception in 2011 through December 2020, our findings showed that despite more complicated clinical profiles, the number and type of psychiatric disorders, the number and type of substance use disorders, and CODs were unrelated to graduation. These findings imply that the intensity of treatment and wraparound services provided leveled the playing field for those with more serious clinical profiles to successfully complete the program. Our discussion will focus on program and policy implications based on our findings.

Authors

• Kimberly Houser, Rowan University

• Matthew Hiller, Temple University

• Christine Saum, Rowan University