7.3.5 Discharged to the Community

Managing Mentally Disordered Offenders Discharged into the Community

Managing mentally disordered offenders who have been discharged into the community is a complex and challenging task that requires a comprehensive approach to ensure public safety and successful reintegration. The following are some key considerations in managing these individuals:

• Risk assessment: It is important to conduct a thorough risk assessment of the individual to determine the level of risk they pose to themselves and others. This can help in the development of a tailored risk management plan.

• Medication management: For individuals who have been prescribed medication, it is crucial to ensure that they are adhering to their medication regime, as non-adherence can increase the risk of relapse and reoffending.

• Supportive services: Access to supportive services such as mental health treatment, housing, employment, and education can help individuals with mental health disorders reintegrate into the community and reduce their risk of reoffending.

• Monitoring and supervision: It is important to have a system in place for monitoring and supervising individuals who have been discharged into the community, including regular check-ins and appointments with mental health professionals.

• Collaborative working: Effective collaboration between mental health services, probation, and other community services is essential for successful community reintegration and risk management.

Community Treatment Orders (CTOs) exist in the UK as a legal parameter to manage mentally disordered offenders discharged into the community. CTOs allow for compulsory treatment for individuals with mental health problems living in the community, while under the supervision of mental health services. It is an order made by a Responsible Clinician (RC) with the approval of a Mental Health Tribunal. Other legal parameters that can be put in place include Supervised Discharge Orders (SDOs), which are used to manage offenders who have completed their sentence but still require supervision for public protection (UK gov, 2015) (NIHCE, 2011)

Several studies have highlighted the importance of effective risk management planning in the community for mentally disordered offenders. For instance, a study by Maden and Swinton (2017) emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to risk management, including the involvement of multiple agencies and ongoing monitoring and review. Additionally, a review by Fazel et al. (2017) emphasizes the importance of collaborative working between mental health and criminal justice services in the management of mentally disordered offenders in the community.

References:

1. Fazel, S., Wolf, A., & Fimińska, Z. (2017). Review: Mental disorders and risk of violence in the criminal justice system. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 30(4), 250-255.
2. Maden, T., & Swinton, M. (2017). Discharged from mental health services: clinical and risk management considerations. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 23(1), 46-54.
3. UK Government. (2015). Mental Health Act 1983: Code of Practice. London: Author.
4. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2011). Common mental health disorders: Identification and pathways to care. London: Author.