Mentally disordered offender working groups : the value of collaboration and coordination in the delivery of services to individuals with a mental disorder in conflict with the justice system
Date
2001
Authors
Monaghan, Angus Duncan
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Abstract
While a majority of individuals with a mental disorder never commit a criminal offence or come in contact with the criminal justice system, there are some individuals that may repeatedly come to the attention of police and the courts as a function of their illness or personality. The need to coordinate and share information relating to the needs of mentally disordered offenders (MDOs), ensuring that they do not get lost between the services and/or that those services provided are consistent with treatment goals, is essential. In 1992, the Ministries of Attorney General, Health and Social Services developed the Protocols for the Inter-Ministerial Coordination of Services for Persons with a Mental Disorder of Mental Handicap involved in the Criminal Justice System. One of the major intended outcomes of the protocols was the development of local working groups throughout the province specifically mandated to coordinate services to MDOs.
The objective of this thesis was to consider the current status of working groups; their perceived value, limitations and factors for the success of future working groups. In order to adequately inform this inquiry, it was necessary to use both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Four methods of data collection; my own experiences in several working groups, a questionnaire, observation of a rural and an urban working group and interviews of specific participants, were used. Findings suggest that there were, as of October 2001, 31 working groups throughout the province. The perceived value or outcome of the working groups was the development of working relationships among community service providers and the perception that MDOs received better service coordination and treatment as a result of the working groups. The significant issues identified were the need for regular attendance, development of resources, and a process and structure which includes direct linkages with senior management at a provincial level. In order for the working groups to be considered as a best practice example, more efforts to include the individuals discussed at the working groups should occur.