What Is The Future Of Court-Ordered Treatment?

OPEN MINDS The Behavioral Health & Social Service Industry Analyst

Pro & Con

While the role of mental illness in crime and punishment has a long history, the disposition of mentally ill offenders by the courts varies weekly. Inpatient settings have largely dominated court-ordered treatment. However, the role of outpatient treatment is taking on new importance due to the increasing problems of chemical dependency. Child neglect and child abuse cases involving cocaine-addicted mothers are also appearing in courts. How are these cases to be treated? With a growing shortage . . .