Explores why forensic psychiatry services are not serving the multi-ethnic societies of Britain and the United States as they should. Discusses the concepts, theories and ideologies upon which forensic psychiatry is founded and explains why current problems are in part the result of a historic linking of race, schizophrenia and criminality in the minds of Western Europeans. Presents a survey of current clinical research into issues of race and forensic psychiatry and argues that the apparent contradictions in research findings and inquiry reports impact negatively on clinical practice. Also takes a detailed look at recent social policy on mental health, race and criminal justice and the way in which this influences and is influenced by public attitudes and pressures.
Explores why forensic psychiatry services are not serving the multi-ethnic societies of Britain and the United States as they should. Discusses the concepts, theories and ideologies upon which forensic psychiatry is founded and explains why current problems are in part the result of a historic linking of race, schizophrenia and criminality in the minds of Western Europeans. Presents a survey of current clinical research into issues of race and forensic psychiatry and argues that the apparent contradictions in research findings and inquiry reports impact negatively on clinical practice. Also takes a detailed look at recent social policy on mental health, race and criminal justice and the way in which this influences and is influenced by public attitudes and pressures.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, mentally disordered offenders, offenders, schizophrenia, severe mental health problems, social policy, black and minority ethnic people, crime, forensic psychiatry;
Tizard Learning Disability Review, 4(3), July 1999, pp.31-39.
Publisher:
Emerald
Government reports since 1990 on services for people with mental health needs, learning disabilities, challenging behaviour and/or criminal offending have recommended community living wherever possible. Nevertheless, most health and social service providers still find it difficult to attain the types of service proposed. It has recently been concluded that this was partly a result of the separation of services for people with learning disabilities form mainstream mental health services. This article reports the experience of a local service development intervention designed around the needs of this client group.
Government reports since 1990 on services for people with mental health needs, learning disabilities, challenging behaviour and/or criminal offending have recommended community living wherever possible. Nevertheless, most health and social service providers still find it difficult to attain the types of service proposed. It has recently been concluded that this was partly a result of the separation of services for people with learning disabilities form mainstream mental health services. This article reports the experience of a local service development intervention designed around the needs of this client group.
Subject terms:
learning disabilities, mental health problems, mental health services, offenders, severe learning disabilities, severe mental health problems, unmet need, challenging behaviour, community care, community mental health services, community mental health teams, cost effectiveness, health authorities;