Introduction to the Interface between Serious Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System-View Presentation

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Video Summary

In this SMI Advisor webinar, hosted by Amy Cohen with Dr. Deborah Pinals as the lead speaker, the focus was on understanding the intersection of serious mental illness (SMI) and the criminal justice system. The session, geared towards mental health professionals, aimed to outline the criminal justice process, provide data on individuals with SMI within this system, and introduce strategies to reduce their presence in the justice system.<br /><br />Dr. Pinals described the continuum of the criminal justice system from arrest to sentencing, highlighting the differences between the adult and juvenile systems. She noted the prevalence of SMI in incarcerated populations, with higher rates compared to the general public, and discussed risk factors linked to criminal behavior, emphasizing social determinants and criminogenic risks.<br /><br />The webinar also introduced the Sequential Intercept Model and the Stepping Up Initiative. These frameworks promote collaborative strategies to prevent deeper justice system involvement for individuals with SMI, with intervention points at various stages of justice processing.<br /><br />Dr. Pinals stressed the importance of mental health providers understanding the justice system to better support patients, addressing the intertwined issues of stigma and lack of resources in managing individuals with SMI exiting the criminal justice system.

Keywords

serious mental illness

criminal justice system

mental health professionals

Sequential Intercept Model

Stepping Up Initiative

incarcerated populations

social determinants

criminogenic risks

stigma