Assessing risk and outcomes in offenders detained in intellectual disability and mental health medium secure units in the United Kingdom

Marks, Emma R. (2011). Assessing risk and outcomes in offenders detained in intellectual disability and mental health medium secure units in the United Kingdom. University of Birmingham. Foren.Psy.D.

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Abstract

The thesis examined the assessment of risk and outcomes in offenders with a mental disorder detained in medium secure units in the United Kingdom. Chapter 1 contains an introduction to the thesis. Chapter 2 presents a systematic literature review investigating factors associated with reoffending in this group of offenders. A younger age, a diagnosis of personality disorder, previous offending history, a shorter length of admission, and a history of substance misuse were all associated with a higher risk of reoffending. Implications for service development and future risk management are presented. Chapter 3 contains a piece of empirical research examining whether perception of quality of life (QoL) is associated with reoffending in those with an intellectual disability discharged from medium security. No significant differences were found between reoffenders and non-reoffenders on measures of QoL except for negative aspects of the medium secure environment, where non-reoffenders rated this as worse. Clinical implications and areas for future research are discussed. Chapter 4 contains a critical review of the HCR-20, which reports on the reliability and validity of the assessment tool in terms of its applicability in assessing risk in mentally disordered offenders, as well as its limitations. Chapter 5 presents a case study of a violent male offender detained in a medium secure unit. The use of the HCR-20 in assessing risk, formulating risk reduction interventions, and informing future risk management is highlighted. Implications of the thesis are discussed in Chapter 6.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.

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