WORKSHOP: Risk Assessment at the Intersection of Public Safety and Justice System
Presenting Author(s): Dr. Maryana Kravtsenyuk
Co-Author(s): Dr. Gary A. Chaimowitz
Date and time: 23 Mar 2024 from 14:50 to 15:20
Location: Hawthorn A
Learning Objectives
1. To learn about the emerging data on mental illness, justice system and public safety;
2. To discuss the avenues for risk mitigation and compassionate health care provision within the justice system; and
3. To review forensic risk assessments role in clinical practice.
Literature References
1. Maya Ogonah, Aida Seyedsalehi, Daniel Whiting, Seena Fazel. Violence risk assessment instruments in forensic psychiatric populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Psychiatry 2023 Oct;10(10):780-789
2. Megan Edgelow, Agnieszka Fecica, Caroline Kohlen, Kirandeep Tandal. Mental health of public safety personnel: Developing a model of operational, organizational, and personal factors in public safety organizations. Front Public Health. 2023 Mar; 11: 1140983.
3. Paul S. Appelbaum Public Safety, Mental Disorders, and Guns. JAMA Psychiatry. 2013;70(6):565-566.
Abstract
Mental illness and public safety have been a topic of concern for mental health clinicians, policy makers and society as a whole. In recent years there has been a growing recognition that the traditional punitive approach to criminal justice may not be the most effective way to both address the needs of individuals with mental illness who encounter the legal system and also keep communities safe. Effective social policies informed by the mental health professionals are important considerations for safeguarding the public while fostering a fair progressive and compassionate criminal justice system. Evidenced-based risk assessment plays a crucial role in general psychiatric practice and can inform a restorative justice system.
Risk assessment involves describing the likelihood of future harm or risk behaviors by individuals. Forensic psychiatry can assist clinicians, legal professionals, and relevant stakeholders in making informed decisions regarding treatment, risk management, and public safety. Our presentation will explore the importance of risk assessment inclinical practice and discuss its various components. We will discuss risk assessment, prediction and management. It is fair to say that current processes have really not changed rates of violence nor have they improved the public’s perception of the risk posed by people with a mental illness. In our view a restorative justice system may require an additional step, focusing on risk mitigation. In this presentation we will provide some preliminary guidance on strategies to mitigate risk with special reference to social policies.