Citation

Eschbach LA, Dalgin RS, Pantucci E. Community Ment. Health J. 2019; 55(4): 590-598.

Affiliation

University of Scranton, 800 Linden Street, Scranton, PA, 18510, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s10597-018-0346-5

PMID

30353447

Abstract

Mental Health Treatment Courts (MHTC) address the overrepresentation of individuals with mental health disorders in the criminal justice system and strive to minimize the "revolving door" cycle of arrest/incarceration/release/re-arrest. A qualitative research group interview design was conducted with program graduates resulting in a three stage model. Participant's motivation was initially to avoid jail, but over time participants begin to make intentional choices leading to mental health recovery. Participants also described the importance of their relationship with the staff and the judge as well as the need for trust, understanding, and respect throughout the program. Recommendations for future research and program development are discussed.

Language: en

Keywords

Empowerment; Mental illness and incarceration; Psychiatric rehabilitation; Recovery; Treatment courts